The book of Genesis is structured around the phrase, “This is the account of.” Its main divisions begin with, “This is the account of the creation of the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 2:4), “of the descendants of Adam” (Genesis 5:1), “of Noah and his family” (Genesis 6:9), “of Terah’s family” (Genesis 11:27), “of the family of Isaac” (Genesis 25:19), and “of Jacob and his family” (Genesis 37:2). These sections focus on the children that each person produced. The account of Terah is the story of Abraham; the account of Jacob is the story of Joseph.
Our true legacy will not be found in jobs completed or titles earned, but in the lives of our children. If they faithfully obey as Abraham did, then we will know the joy of Terah. If they scheme and fight like Jacob and Esau, then we will endure the mixed legacy of Isaac.
The apostle Paul may not have been married, but he cared for his new believers “as a father treats his own children.” He wrote, “We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy” (1 Thessalonians 2:11-12). Paul worried that his spiritual children might stumble under persecution. So, “when we could stand it no longer . . . we sent Timothy to visit you” (1 Thessalonians 3:1-2). Paul rejoiced when Timothy returned with “good news about [their] faith and love.” He said, “It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 3:6,8).
Ultimately, our legacy lies beyond our control. We can’t guarantee that our physical and spiritual children will turn out well, but we can determine the legacy of our own mothers and fathers. Whose “account of” includes you? What does your life say about them?
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Genesis 24:28-67
More:
Read Proverbs 10:1, Proverbs 13:1, and Proverbs 15:20 to learn the difference between a wise and a foolish child.
Next:
Does your physical and spiritual family know that you love them? How can you help them grow in faith and spiritual maturity?
sheridan voysey on January 15, 2014 at 3:47 am
If we widen the concept of ‘spiritual children’ a little broader to anyone we’ve been able influence and encourage through Christ, then those of us without biological children (or even formal disciples for that matter) may also have a legacy to leave. The heroes of faith listed in Hebrews 11 seem to be mentioned because of their faithfulness to God, which left a legacy we are all indirectly beneficial of. And thank God for that!
jennifer benson schuldt on January 15, 2014 at 2:37 pm
Great point Sheridan. I think the concept you mentioned of “spiritual children” is rooted in Scripture. In The first chapter and verse of the book of Timothy, Paul refers to Timothy as his “true child in the faith”. What a beautiful way to say it, and what a beautiful relationship with a person of the next generation!
sheridan voysey on January 16, 2014 at 3:29 am
just imagine being Timothy, hearing those words from Paul: ‘my true child in the faith…’
BearPair on January 15, 2014 at 4:14 am
That’s a good thought with which to end, Mke… Once becoming adults, our children are pretty much out of our control, regardless of how we have raised them. However, if our parents are still living (& even passed on) we can live our lives such that we honor them, and in so doing, honor the heavenly Father. Thanks for the reminder Mike!
mike wittmer on January 15, 2014 at 9:12 am
I think you’re right, Sheridan–our legacy includes more than just our formal disciples, but also those who are less directly influenced by us. We all may have more spiritual children than we know.