Legacy - Pt 5

Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard, while God also bore witness by signs and wonders and various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit distributed according to his will. For it was not to angels that God subjected the world to some, of which we are speaking. It has been testified somewhere, “What is man, that you are mindful of him, or the son of man, that you care for him? You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honor, putting everything in subjection under his feet.” (Hebrews 2:1-8 ESV).

Our last principle in leaving a legacy to our children is in giving them a sense of purpose, direction, and mission. The challenge here is to leave your children a heritage, not just an inheritance. As someone once said, "Our children are messengers we send to a time we will not see." David Livingstone, the missionary to Africa, said, "I will go anywhere, as long as it is forward." And by moving forward and advancing God's kingdom, he undoubtedly also advanced his sense of dignity. Gaining a vision and a direction in life will yield significance to your family's life as well, especially if the omnipotent God of the universe has set that heading and direction. In fact, true vision, direction, and destiny can come only from the One who controls not only the present but also the future. By discovering your eternal destiny, you will begin to build lasting dignity in your lives. The internal awareness of that God-ordained dignity will enhance the self-esteem of every member of your family. In our reading today we see the writer urging us to pay close attention to what God has done through Jesus on our behalf. The consequence of our not doing this is a “drifting away.” In my experience this complacency, the drifting away from the truth of God, is common in our culture. That cannot be an acceptable legacy for our children. We cannot teach them by our poor example that we are powerless in the face of our circumstances. Our destiny is to sit with the King of all creation for eternity. We do not look to defeat, but a victory that has already happened. We merely wait being called to that promised, secured home. The challenge is clear for all of us: Follow Christ and fulfill His call and vision for our lives. Just as we found spiritual life in no other Person than Jesus Christ, so we find a dignity like no other in the destiny He provides. Teach that to your children by word and example. No Goliath can stand before that kind of faith! That’s legacy!