224 years ago this week, one of the greatest English documents of all time was signed. Did you know that there is an organization dedicated to the "Descendants of the Signers of the Declaration of Independence" (go to
dsdi1776.com if you are one of the few)? Isn't that interesting? Those who signed the declaration knew that they were committing treason and would face possible execution if caught. Five were captured and tortured before they died. Twelve lost their homes (destroyed by fire). Two lost their sons in the war and another two had sons captured. Nine fought and died from the war. They all pledged their very lives in signing. Even so, their descendants live today. It does make me wonder, How do their descendants vote? What are their thoughts on their great-great (a few "greats") grandfather's signature and legacy? Some of these descendants have participated in reading the Declaration in the National Archives. Some participate annually in ringing the Liberty Bell each July fourth. Yet, what do each
think about democracy and our republic? Do they have grave concerns about their family's legacy of "independence"?
I'm sure we could research the very vocal ones that might have made public statements. I would be extremely surprised to find more than a few that would have quite differing understandings of liberty than their grandfather who signed. How might we consider
our future generations and, furthermore, ensure that
our legacy is passed on? As much as so many try to pass on wealth, the most important thing we can pass on is our spiritual inheritance in Christ including that faithfulness to Him. Each of us has a responsibility to this. Yes, even if you have no children - you have children at church to safeguard. Give them a
LEGACY:
L- Live with integrity and faithfulness. "The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith" (1 Tim. 1:5). Model a faithful life to your children. They do learn to imitate those who have come before them. Give them something good to imitate!
E- Entrust them to God. We all know Proverbs 22:6,
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Our part in that is to "train up" - but never forget that the child's not departing is on God. In a sense, we plant and water and trust God to give the growth (1 Cor. 3:6). Trust God!
G- Give them the gospel. As Psalm 78:4 says, "We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done." We talk of our testimony and family stories of faith. We give them a clear understanding of God's grace, salvation and eternal hope: "Seek first the kingdom of God..." (Matt. 6:33).
A- Anchor them in God's Word. Deuteronomy 6 is among the most well known verse to Jews and is critical to their faith being imparted. "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and... talk of them... bind them... write them" (Deut. 6:6-9). God's Word should shape your life and it should be a regular part of your discussion with them. Intentionally instruct them!
C- Correct with love. "Bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord" (Eph. 6:4). Both discipline and grace reflect our Father in heaven. Correction is a form of love and trains children to know boundaries. We are after their hearts, not just behavior.
Y- Yield to prayer. I love that Job would "continually" pray for his children (Job 1:5). This may come
last on this list but it really is our starting point. Prayer is one of the greatest investments you can make in your kid's lives.
Enjoy the Independence Day celebrations this week. May we remember to pass our country's legacy on to our kids but, most important, pass on your legacy of faith. Let them know about true freedom... the freedom in Christ:
For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. (Gal. 5:1).