My youngest grandson moved into his university dorm room this week. It hardly seems possible. I was in the hospital when he was born and held him in my arms a short time afterward. However, as time moves on, watching children and grandchildren grow may be one of its best measures.
I don’t know where you are on your spiritual journey, but if you are a child of God, you will have an innate spiritual desire to bring your children and grandchildren along that pathway. A Christ-honoring upbringing and a spiritual family atmosphere are desirable advantages.
Remind Them of Their Spiritual Heritage
The apostle Paul told young Timothy: “I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you” (2 Tim. 1:5; NLT).
I still remember a plaque in my grandmother’s home. It said, “Only one life ‘twill soon be past. Only what’s done for Christ will last.” This truth spoke of both the spiritual heritage I inherited and the ongoing spiritual legacy being imparted to me each time I was there.
Even if your spiritual walk began only recently, you can effectively witness of your spiritual transformation, challenges and changes. The book of James assures us that the consistent prayers of those made right in God’s sight are powerful and effective elements of our spiritual heritage (James 5:16). Our paternal prayers can convey our spiritual desires and dreams for each member of our family, whether they are children or now adults.
Rehearse Spiritual Prayers and Practices
Paul saw Timothy as a son in the faith and prayed for him “without ceasing … night and day” (2 Tim. 1:3, NKJV). He verbally encouraged Timothy to be loyal to the faith and to follow the pattern of insight and instruction that Paul had deposited in him. Timothy was to guard these spiritual truths and practices with the help of the Holy Spirit, who lived within him.
Likewise, we can tactfully and consistently hold these spiritual precepts and practices up for our family members to be reminded of by our faithful observance and instruction. God commanded the children of Israel to observe the teachings of their Lord as a family: “You and your children and grandchildren must fear the Lord your God as long as you live. If you obey all his decrees and commands, you will enjoy a long life” (Deut. 6:2; NLT).
Father God went on in verse 7 to instruct the families: “Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road when you are going to bed and when you are getting up.”
Review the Spiritual Legacy You Are Leaving
“Heritage” is a concept focused on preserving cultural, religious or family practices inherited from a common past. In contrast, a “legacy” is something of value conscientiously saved, carefully managed and purposefully prepared for the future or future generations. Are you preparing a spiritual legacy to leave for your descendants?
There is an important link between spiritual heritage and legacy. I believe that link is stewardship.
“Stewardship” is defined as the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care. Spiritual stewardship is our active efforts to preserve essentials from the past and prepare determined endurance for the future (2 Pet. 1:3-11). A spiritual legacy conveys present benefits and lasting blessings at a spiritual dimension for our present good along with future blessings for our physical and spiritual progeny.
May our Lord empower you to steward a spiritual legacy as you live confidently, pray boldly and model a Spirit-filled life before your family members and those near to you.
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Gary Curtis served for 27 years as part of the pastoral staff of The Church on The Way, the First Foursquare Church of Van Nuys, California. Since retirement in 2016, he has continued to blog at worshipontheway.wordpress.com. Gary and his wife live in Southern California and have two married daughters and five grandchildren.
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