Leaving a Legacy

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee. Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings; and the years of thy life shall be many. I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in right paths."

Proverbs 4:7-11

You direct your children toward either dedicated discipleship or contented conformity.

Columnist Ellen Goodman once wrote an article about parenting in the Chicago Tribune. She noted the drastic resistance of culture against a parent seeking to instill moral values in children. Consider the following paragraphs from her article:

"Without wallowing in false nostalgia, there has been a fundamental shift. Americans once expected parents to raise their children in accordance with the dominant cultural messages. Today they are expected to raise their children in opposition.

"It's what makes child-raising harder. It's why parents feel more isolated. It's not just that American families have less time with their kids, it's that we have to spend more of this time doing battle with our own culture. It's rather like trying to get your kids to eat their green beans after they've been told all day about the wonders of Milky Way. Come to think of it, it's exactly like that."

Over the past few days we've focused on the opposition parents face from culture in raising godly children. Our world doesn't want children to live with mora and the devil has constructed an attack on parents and families like never before. But realize that while the world around you is targeting your family, God has given you the responsibility of raising your children with godly values.

How important is the parents' role in a child's spiritual development? Have you ever considered your responsibility in spiritually training your child? We can't force our children into salvation or spiritual closeness with God, but we can set a good example for them to follow.

Think about the fact that most parents are content with a child who attends church, is involved in church programs, and isn't outwardly rebellious. If a child looks good, many parents assume the child is developing spiritually. But are outward actions marks of a healthy believer who will continue living a godly life even after they're on their own?

Proverbs 4 encourages children toward not just conformity but to wisdom and understanding of God's Word, "Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee."

While school and church play a role in teaching your children, you are the main "legacy-leaver" in the life of your children. You teach them about Christianity, you show them how a Christian should live, and you direct them toward either dedicated discipleship or contented conformity.

Take a minute to ask yourself honestly-what legacy am I leaving for my children? Am I content seeing their outward conformity to Christianity, or am I encouraging them to have a heart-level connection to God and a daily walk with Him? The future of Christianity depends on the legacy you leave with your children.