Whether you know it or not, you are leaving a spiritual legacy for your child. And your parents and grandparents left one for you.
I was reading Genesis chapter 16 this past week. And though I'm familiar with the story of Abraham and Sarah, God gave me a new revelation upon this passage.
The angel of the Lord also said to her: “You are now with child and you will have a son. You shall name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard of your misery. He will be a wild donkey of a man; his hand will be against everyone and everyone's hand against him, and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers.” Genesis 16:11-12
I know this passage seems harsh, but Sarah and her maidservant Hagar lost faith in God's promise to give Sarah and Abraham a child. Sarah decided to take matters into her own hand, instead of relying on the Lord.
And because of this sin, both Sarah and Hagar's children spent the rest of their lives at odds with one another. Spiritual legacy.
I think back on my parents and my grandparents. One of my grandfather's was an alcoholic, and that disease continues to rear its head among my family. Particularly, one of my older brothers. But God Used an Addict to Convict Me and teach me a powerful lesson. Thankfully, we serve a God who can work in any situation. Amen!
My other grandfather was a musician and both my mother and I have a strong love of music. My mother is a godly woman and took me to church every Sunday. I grew up knowing the stories of the Bible. I now take my children to church and read them Bible stories.
You see, what we do and how we act is the legacy we leave our children.
Keep His decrees and command, which I am giving you today, so that it may go well with you and children after you and that you may live long in the land the Lord your God gives you for all time. Deuteronomy 4:40
Think back on your parents and grandparent. Do you see similarities or traits you possess that they did?
I hope that they are good traits, but sometimes they're not. Don't become discouraged, it's never too late to leave a healthy spiritual legacy for our children. Because we are children of God and He left us a beautiful legacy.
But, we have to claim it. Pray with me,
Dear Jesus,
I want to leave a godly spiritual legacy for my children. Please help me to lay to rest anything that is not from you Lord. May your Holy Spirit reign in me and my children's lives. May you be the legacy that I leave for all future generations of my bloodline. In the name of Jesus, I break any harmful bondage and I let loose the full promise of new life by the shedding of the blood of Jesus on the cross. In Jesus Name, Amen.
What are some positive legacy's your family has left you?
I have left my Bible with many family member dates and my best loved Bible verses and sayings there also. My Pastor has signed my Bible and many important missionaries too. People I have led to the Lord and important dates of each decision for the Lord the grandkids made. It is exciting!
What a great example of a well used Bible, Patty. I especially like the idea of recording the dates and Godly decisions your grandchildren have made. Thanks for sharing.
With my own children being just 2 & 3 I have to start thinking of this now…I am so glad you posted this as it is making me reflect and plan…two important parts of the process!
Very two important parts. Planning and setting goals are half the battle. And your sweet little ones are the perfect age to start participating in your family activities. I’m sure you’ll have a rich and deep spiritual legacy in place in no time.
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Yes, so true, that as grandchildren of alcoholics, we have to be aware of that. I had an alcoholic grandpa and my uncle died young from alcoholism. It’s surely a disease/addiction you don’t hear much about. But we can pray our children won’t make those same mistakes!
Heather, praying against it is our best defense for our children. I’ve seen the power of prayer delivery people from alcoholism. It isn’t instant, but our God is powerful. 🙂 I pray over my children often that God would break the sins of our father’s and keep them from falling prey to it. Here’s to lifting our kids up together!
What a lovely post about leagacy! I really enjoyed reading this.
Holly
Thanks, Holly. With my grandfather’s passing this past fall, I’ve thought a lot about how I want to be remembered and making changes accordingly. So glad you enjoyed it.
Great post! I am not going to focus on the past. I am going to focus on what I can leave for my children. I needed to read this. Thank you.
Thanks, Andrea. I can beat myself up about things I’ve done wrong with my kids, but the best thing is to move foreward. We’ll be doing it together. 🙂