“Invest Wisely: Develop the Next Generation”
02-20-25
Rob Genin, Executive Director of YBL
Leaving a legacy is a complex challenge. Many people who succeed financially leave their mark in universities or community buildings with their names on them or leave money and trusts to their children and grandchildren. I think it is fair to say the people who leave such legacies hope that those who live after them will use those resources well and be a blessing to many others. Unfortunately, there are cautionary tales about money. The writer of Ecclesiastes lamented on it:
I hated all the things I had toiled for under the sun, because I must leave them to the one who comes after me. And who knows whether that person will be wise or foolish? Yet they will have control over all the fruit of my toil into which I have poured my effort and skill under the sun (Ecclesiastes 2:18-19) .
Here the frustration from the writer comes from his relative helplessness – he cannot control what happens after him, and those to whom leaves his wealth may not have either the skill or desire to steward things in a similar way. To be sure, there are both intentional strategies and excellent professionals who try to help those with wealth make wise decisions that lead to more hopeful outcomes. However, this is not all we are responsible to pass on to the next generation.
The most important legacy we leave will not be money. The biggest question in to ask is this: How might God use you to touch people and teach them to know and trust in God?
It is a difficult and important thing to pass on our faith. There is a sad note early in the book of Judges:
“The people served the LORD throughout the whole lifetime of Joshua and the elders who outlived him….After that another generation grew up who knew neither the LORD or what He had done for Israel…” (Judges 2:7,10)
Joshua was faithful, and the elders who served with him were faithful to follow God also. However, they failed to pass along their faith to their children. Now only God is in control of what happens with others in terms of their faith, but He has given some strategies to increase the potential of transferring our beliefs to the next generation:
- Model for our children what faith looks like. They will learn what we really believe more by watching us than what we say.
- Tell them the truth clearly and provide opportunities to learn those beliefs early on. While our example is critical, we must explain our faith with words. Teach them systematically and also situationally (Deut 6:7-9).
- Serve God together with your children. A secular survey a few years ago asked the question: “What is the determining factor on whether or not your children adopt your beliefs?” They looked at the correlating factors, and the number one factor was. “Seeing their parents take significant risks, and associating those risks with their belief in God.” Let them see you serve and take risks for God up close!
- Tell your children the stories of God’s faithfulness in your life. Your own story is unique and powerful in your family. Review your life and mark those significant moments that made a difference in your life and share how you walked with God – even struggled with God — and saw His faithfulness.
Ultimately, God is in control of the outcomes. But there is nothing more valuable you can leave than a legacy of faith for your children. You can start today by recommitting your own life to God and praying for them!