OUR LEGACY

Introduction:
   1. Legacy -- "Something received from an ancestor or
           predecessor or from the past." (Webster's Dictionary).
   2. A legacy is something which we leave behind for our
      children, our grandchildren, our great grandchildren, etc.
   3. What are we leaving for them???
   4. What is your legacy??

BODY:
A. WHAT LEGACY DOES THE WORLD SEEK?
   1. As we view the world around us, we see it striving for
      material possessions, the carnal things of the flesh. A
      large bank account, a large stock portfolio, large
      investments, a filled safety-deposit box at the bank, etc.
   2. If the world can amass all "these things" and leave them to
      their children, they consider themselves successful.
   3. The world would look upon the rich man in Luke 12:16-21, and
      pronounce him as a wise man. God looked upon him and
      pronounced him as a FOOL. Thus, the world and God looks upon
      our legacy in contrasting ways. But, this is nothing new.
      Those of the world have never agreed with God's estimates or
      desires.
   4. There is nothing wrong in obtaining worldly possessions. We
      need to be conscious of our future needs and plan for the
      time when we may not be able to work a 40 hour week. It is
      wise to lay aside or save a portion of what we are able to
      make.
   5. God's word teaches us to care for our own (1 Tim. 5:8).
   6. Our Government recognized the need for this when it
      installed Social Security. But, social security is not
      designed to fully support a person.
   7. So, it is wise to plan for the future.
   8. But, to what expense? Surely, not to the expense of our
      soul, or the souls of our children and grandchildren.
   9. Jesus said, "What shall a man profit if he shall gain the
      whole world and lose his own soul?" (Matt. 16:26).
  10. We just cannot TRUST in these things, to the expense of our
      spiritual welfare, or the eternal welfare of our children.

B. LET US LOOK AT SOME EXAMPLES IN GOD'S BOOK AS TO THE LEGACY
   THEY LEFT:
   1. Ex. 2:1-10--The child Moses put in the Bull rushes. Found by
      Pharoah's daughter. Moses mother chosen to raise the child.
      From the events which followed in Moses life, it is rather
      self evident that Moses' mother left him a great legacy.
   2. Gen. 22:1-12- Abraham. What an impression this must have
      made upon Isaac, which in turn was passed on to Jacob,
      Abraham's grandson.
   3. 2 Tim. 1:3-5 -- Timothy's faith was begun in his grandmother
      Lois, and passed on through his mother Eunice.
   4. What a legacy to leave one's offspring!!!
   5. A great legacy is not found in large insurance policies,
      filled bank boxes, large investment portfolios; but rather
      in that which will produce a loving faith and living hope in
      our children. A faith that will carry them to that eternal
      home of the soul when these days are over.

C. AN EXAMPLE:  Some years ago, when I was working with the
   congregation of God's people in Groves, a young man came in
   from the service, on leave. He got off the bus, hailed a cab.
   "Where do you wish to go?" "Take me to the church building,
   that's where mom and dad will be. You see, it is Wednesday
   night." There was no doubt in his mind where they would be. He
   knew that if God's people were meeting, his folks would be
   there.  WHAT A LEGACY TO LEAVE A CHILD!!!
        That is faith in action, a living faith, a faith that was
   instilled in the son.
        Where would your children find you on a night when
   services were being conducted?

D. WHAT LEGACY AM I SEEKING TO LEAVE MY CHILDREN? WHAT ABOUT YOU??
   1. What are our aims toward what we shall leave our children?
   2. What legacy shall we leave them?
   3. Are we striving to accumulate worldly possessions for them?
        Or, are we showing them our faith, our dependence upon the
             Lord?
   4. I have stressed the contrast of material possessions with
      that which is spiritual. But, really it involves every
      aspect of our life.
   5. What legacy are we leaving our children:
        (a) in the choice of the words which we use each day?
        (b) in the use of our time with reference to the Lord?
        (c) when they view our contribution into the Lord's work?
        (d) and on and on we might go in applying this.....

Conclusion:
   1. When you pass from this flesh, what shall be said of you(me)
        (a) He (she) was a good business man (woman)?
        (b) He (she) was a hard worker.
        (c) He (she) was a good provider.
        (d) He (she) left a large bank account to their children.
   2. What we leave behind need not be paid-up insurance, great
      bank account, or stock portfolios; but an example of parents
      and grandparents who lived a righteous life of service and
      faith in Christ Jesus. A faith which will live on in our
      children and grandchildren. WHAT A LEGACY!!!
   3. But, to leave that kind of legacy you must obey Christ NOW
      and continue to serve Him.
                            (Adapted from article by Dixie Bowman,
                             Preceptor Magazine, Dec. 1998)

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