A Legacy of Faith

At a visitation time for an old friend, I had a conversation with a middle-aged man about his father. He spoke highly of a father who used few words but modeled high principles for his three sons and his daughter.

While working full-time to support his family, he would study engineering books in the evening while four energetic, loud kids played in the house. Eventually, he took the engineering exam and passed with flying colors.

Quietly, that man modeled faith as he made sure his family was in church each Sunday. Silently, he loved his wife through the highs and lows of life even while supporting her through cancer. With few complaints, he demonstrated courage as he took on his personal foe, Parkinson’s disease, which after many years extinguished his life.

That man described his hero, his father. That father had established a grand legacy. In his Christ-filled, hardworking, courageous, loving life, he left behind four children who are involved in their churches, have long-term marriages, have kept food on their tables and have courageously faced their own challenges in life. It is a legacy which is now being seen in the father’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

“Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—"so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” Ephesians 6:2-3

“For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100:5

Prayer: Lord God, work through us to establish a long legacy of faith in You. May we be able to say with Joshua, “As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)

It is in Jesus’ name we pray this. Amen.

‍