Lately, my wife and I have found ourselves pondering over what to leave behind for our two young adult children when the time comes for us to depart this world. As responsible parents, we want to equip our children with the resources they need to thrive in their generation – a good education that prepares them to make a comfortable living, and faith-based godly values that will prepare them for the life ahead.
There is another set of gifts that we can give to our next generation, which will shape their lives, values and the choices they make. These legacy gifts will remain with them even after we are no longer around and we pray they will become their guiding lights and moral compass in whatever situation they face.
The priceless gift of a relationship with God. The way we invest in and grow our personal relationship with God impacts our children deeply, in how they may in turn know God personally and be able to turn to God as their anchor. Putting to death our carnal nature and living out our faith in God at home is a daily challenge because we are all imperfect beings and work-in-progress. Yet, challenging as it may be, the home is where we can best model how we embrace God and trust Him through the ups and downs of life. We are to lead by example as we pray earnestly, give thanks to God generously, and trust God resolutely as we go through each life circumstance. We must proclaim God’s faithfulness to our next generation. Psalm 71:18 (NIV), “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come.”
The precious gift of a committed marriage. There is no perfect marriage, and every union has its challenges in different seasons. When husbands and wives honour their marriage vows by loving each other unconditionally, putting the other person’s interest before their own and making the marriage work despite imperfection and human weakness, it gives children a sense of security and strength. This leaves an imprint of love in their hearts even as they go on to get married and set up their own families. 1 Peter 4:8 (NLT), “Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.”
The powerful gift of prayer. As parents, we constantly intercede for our children, praying over their lives. By faith, we believe that our prayers will shape and mould our children now and in the future. We take comfort that God hears the cries of our hearts and the impact of our prayers will outlive us. Psalm 145:19 (NIV), “He fulfils the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.”
These generational gifts that we desire to leave behind are often a lifetime in the making. As we model them in our lives, may they serve as signposts that steer our children back to God even if they drift away for a season.
Some of us may feel we have not done well or are far behind in planning. Take heart! It is not too late to start living out these gifts. Our God is a redemptive God and He will grant us the grace as we seek to bless our next generation with these gifts.
©1972-2024 Cru Singapore. All Rights Reserved.
