WHAT WILL YOUR CHILDREN INHERIT?
Proverbs 13:22 says “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children: but the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just.” Every good parent wants the best for their children. We all want to give them the best possible start to life. We work hard to give them the best education money can buy, sometimes denying ourselves pleasures we can afford because we would rather invest in their future. Clearly this is to be applauded and the above scripture commends it.
However let’s take a closer look at that word “inheritance”. While clearly Proverbs 13:22 is referring to material wealth, you and I know God does not consider material wealth to be real wealth because in Luke 16:11 Jesus said “And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?” This clearly suggests that God does not consider worldly wealth to be true riches.
Conversely Matthew 13:44-46 tells us the kingdom of God is a treasure worth giving up everything for. We are to pursue God’s Kingdom, to seek it and seek to enter in. This is worth more than the greatest treasure or the most expensive pearl. While I would love to leave a million pounds to each of my children when I die (and I’m sure they would love that tooJ) if they do not inherit my faith, I would have left them nothing of real value. As precious as one million pounds or any other worldly wealth they can inherit from me might be, it does not compare to the worth God places on our faith. Our faith is worth more to God than the finest gold. Silver and gold and the mansion on a hill will all pass away, but faith in God will secure your children’s future not only here on earth, but in eternity and as parents it is our duty to prepare our children for eternity. So even as you strive to give them the best education possible, work hard so they can have the finer things in life and do all you can to prepare them for a productive adult life, remember the greatest most prized inheritance you can leave them is your faith.
By Mary Eniolu
Vice President – Lighthouse Network of Ministries
Founder – Regal Ladies of Purpose