Articles
An Inheritance for Our Children
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1 Chron. 28:8 - "Now therefore, in the sight of all Israel, the assembly of the LORD, and in the hearing of our God, be careful to seek out all the commandments of the LORD your God, that you may possess this good land, and leave it as an inheritance for your children after you forever."
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During his reign as Israel's king, David accomplished something that no other Israelite ruler had ever done. He unified the tribes into a powerful nation, subdued all their enemies, and set up a strong administrative system that would lock in his achievements for years to come.
David left the nation another legacy that had a greater impact on his people than any other: He put God first in everything he did. David was "a man after God's own heart" who strove to honor God's guidance, both in his personal life and as a ruler. Even when he made mistakes--some of which were quite serious--he had the humility to acknowledge his errors and make them right. Much of Israel's success could be attributed to the character of the man at the top.
Now, as he was about to turn the reins of government over to his son Solomon, David gave the nation only one piece of advice: "Be careful to seek out all the commandments of the Lord your God." In that policy alone would they be able to preserve a strong and stable national identity and pass it on to their children. The history of Israel over the next several centuries bore testimony to the wisdom of his counsel.
David's advice is still relevant for parents today. It is natural for us to work hard to provide something we can leave to our kids. We usually think of that inheritance in terms of houses, real estate, investments, heirlooms, and so forth. But David reminds us that the greatest bequest we can leave our kids is our faith. This gift cannot be faked. Only by consciously putting God first in every decision, every investment, every relationship, every day, can we influence our children to seek God in their own lives.
Parents, it's good that you are working hard to build an inheritance you can pass down to your children. But if your legacy does not include God, you are setting up your kids for failure. Be careful in your daily life to "seek out all the commandments of the Lord your God," and you will bequeath to your offspring a treasure that will far exceed any earthly wealth.
And they will appreciate you for it.
--David
