Often we talk about a legacy of some certain individual. But most of the time the subject has to do with material substance. I am persuaded that a spiritual legacy is of greater value than all of the material things in the world. All of us should be intently interested in leaving something worthwhile as we travel through this world. Fathers and mothers who are rich in this world's goods and make provisions that their own children inherit it all, really have left nothing to their children if this is all they leave.

What could Herodias leave to Salome after having lived before her in wantonness and having instructed her as she did concerning John the Baptist (Matt. 14:1-12)? Just as Herodias had instructed her daughter to do wrong, others have done so too. It is said of Ahaziah, the son of Ahab (and perhaps his mother was Jezebel), "he also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab; for his mother was his counselor to do wickedly" (2 Chron. 22:3). The boy hardly had a chance in this world having such a background.

Worthy women like Eunice, Lois, Mary, Elizabeth, Phebe, and Dorcas are described in Proverbs 31. These women have a real legacy! Such is not accomplished without aim. Such cannot be achieved in one day; it takes a life time.

What are you and I leaving for the next generation? Will we be remembered like the above named women and Paul, Abel, John and others who gave all for that which is worth all? Or, shall we be remembered as fathers and mothers who did not give stress and emphasis to worthy things for our children? When we are gone will they remember us as being unfaithful to the Lord? Will they remember us as being unfaithful in attending services of the congregation? Will they remember us as being stingy with the Lord in both time and money? Will they remember us as Christians, real Christians? Will they remember us as people who really wanted the truth of God on all subjects? What are you leaving? What is your legacy? Don't forget that dead men speak (Heb. 11:4). Quit making excuses and telling lies; become a worthy father or mother.

The next generation will be much better in its relationship to both God and man if the present generation will honor God and truth as the Bible instructs. Our lives will not have been spent in vain provided we do right; but if we fail, the next generation would be better off had we not lived!

Guardian of Truth XXVII: 5, p. 146
March 3, 1983