I’m writing from Karamoja, a vast plain located in northeast Uganda. This region is home to the Karamojong, a tribe whose dress, religion, and traditions represent a vestige of pre-colonial Africa.
The Karamojong are fierce warriors, guided by their deep-seated belief that all cattle belong to them by divine mandate. In other words, if anyone else owns a cow, they stole it from the Karamojong.
To repossess their animals, the tribe stages violent raids on neighboring villages in Uganda, Sudan, and Kenya. The brutal attacks leave hundreds of people dead and a large number of homes destroyed each year. But such retaliation is justifiable in the minds of the Karamojong. Though their claim is without legal merit, the tribe’s elders have passed their belief down from generation to generation.
The faith of Timothy is an example of a more positive legacy that is endorsed by the Bible. The apostle Paul, writing about this true son in the faith, declared, “I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you” (2 Timothy 1:5).
In the Old Testament, Abraham showed true belief and trust in God (Genesis 15:6). His rock-solid faith was based in the promise God had given Him—including the revelation that he would become the father of many nations (17:5-8). Today it’s the responsibility of fathers and mothers to teach their children God’s truth “so that they too might believe and obey Him” (Romans 16:26).
It’s vital that we carefully consider what messages, values, and beliefs we’re conveying to others. What legacy are you leaving behind for the next generation?
More:
• Genesis 15:6
• Joel 1:3
• Romans 10:5-15
Next:
What steps can you take to pass your faith in Christ to future generations? What is the legacy of your life in Jesus so far?
franktan on June 12, 2010 at 2:02 am
with the busy schedules, and God is true, imparting Godly values, virtues and beliefs to the next generation
lindagma on June 12, 2010 at 6:25 am
Equally important for grandparents and great-grandparents. In a world where children are bombarded with the “I deserve it all… it’s all about me” and parents on a dead run to keep up, a grandparent can be a force of stability, a safe-haven and a mighty teacher of God’s way.
maryanneb47 on June 12, 2010 at 3:08 pm
I agree with you, lindagma, I live with my daughter,husband , and 4 of my grandchildren. I try to pass on to them that God lives in all of us that believe in Him. My daughter and husband don’t have much time but they have some time and I hope I make a difference in all their lives.
r. panahon on June 12, 2010 at 5:10 pm
Tinituro ko sa mga anak ko na walang sitwasyon buhay nila ang dapat makapaghiwaly sa kanila sa Diyos kaya sa lahat ng pagsubok na nangyari sa akin di nila nakita na humiwalay ako sa Diyos mas lalo akong lumapit at nakita nila ngayon ang resulta. Panalangin ko patuloy na magawa ko ito upang maipasa ko sa kanila ang kahalagahan ng buhay na naglilingkod sa totoong Diyos – si Kristo Hesus.
ncaberte on June 12, 2010 at 7:20 pm
I have 3 children, one who is already married with 2 kids of her own. Everytime they encounter difficulties in their lives I always bring them back to the Bible, God’s Word. What does the Word of God says in that particular situation of their lives. And also not to forget to pray…pray…pray. I know sometimes they don’t listen to me and follow what I say but I press on…and at the end they know that God’s Word is Truth and powerful.