our legacy
June 21, 2009
READ: Psalm 127
Children are a heritage from the Lord. —Psalm 127:3
A friend of mine wrote recently, “If we died tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of days. But the family left behind would feel the loss for the rest of their lives. Why then do we invest so much in our work and so little in our children’s lives?”
Why do we sometimes exhaust ourselves rising up early and going late to rest, “eating the bread of anxious toil” (Ps. 127:1-2 esv), busying ourselves to make our mark on this world, and overlooking the one investment that matters beyond everything else—our children?
Solomon declared, “Children are a heritage from the Lord”—an invaluable legacy He has bequeathed us. “Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth” (v.4) is his striking simile. Nothing is more worthy of our energy and time.
There is no need for “anxious toil,” working night and day, the wise man Solomon proclaimed, for the Lord does take care of us (Ps. 127:2). We can make time for our children and trust that the Lord will provide for all of our physical needs. Children, whether our own or those we disciple, are our lasting legacy—an investment we’ll never regret. — David H. Roper
Time spent with your children is time wisely invested.
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You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind (v.37).
READ: Matthew 22:34-40
If you’ve been a believer in Jesus for a while, you can probably easily answer the following question: “Which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” (Matthew 22:36). The answer Jesus gave? “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind” (v.37).
But is that commandment truly the most important to us? Let me paraphrase that question with two more: Which command most dictates the way we live? Which command most influences our behavior?
Many other “commandments” which—due to our upbringing or personal inclination—may rise as most important. The “law” of watch out for No.1 and the “rule” of self-advancement are two you’ve likely run into.
Imagine this scenario: Someone is spreading vicious rumors about you. What will you do? Immediately launch a counterattack to preserve your good name? Or will you consider what a loving God demands of you, “Never pay back evil with more evil”? (Romans 12:17).
How about when your work piles up, or when you’re feeling pressured to climb over people on your way up the corporate ladder—what is your greatest commandment then? Is it still to love God? To seek the kingdom of God above all else? (Matthew 6:33).
Jesus not only described “loving God” as the greatest commandment, He also said that it is the “first” (v.38). This word implies priority. Loving God must take the highest priority. It takes precedence over any human desires or drives. This commandment must be the first consideration in all our decisions. We must watch out for that No. 1 as we approach our work, relationships, and all of our life.
Simply put, loving God with our all is foremost! Is this commandment the greatest in your life? —Poh Fang Chia
How have you been living out God’s greatest commandment? What happens in our relationship with others when we truly love God with all our heart, soul, and mind?
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