There’s an honor that comes with becoming a person of impact. This is the fact that there’s a significance of value that comes with your presence anywhere you find yourself.
According to Prov. 13:22 (NKJV):
“A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, But the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.”
An inheritance talks about legacy, heritage; it outlives the owner/giver. Inheritance in this verse is not talking about money or estate or articles of commercial value alone, because that sometimes may not transcend one generation.
Let’s take the life of David as a case study here, and let’s see what kind of inheritance is worth living for our children and grandchildren.
When we read 1 Kg. 2:1-4 (NIV), King David gave Solomon, his son, a charge when the time of David’s death drew near. in verse 4:
“and that the Lord may keep his promise to me: ‘If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.”
God made two promises to David. The first is that: The Messiah should come from his descendants, and the second is that David shall not lack a man on the throne of Israel. This is conditional on if Solomon walks before God in sincerity.
David considered it as a point of duty to leave a legacy for his son – Solomon. Not just only in real estate or financial instruments, but the specific instructions from the Lord which he summarized in 1 Kg. 2:1-4.
Every father must also endeavor to leave a LEGACY for their children, and grandchildren. That is how you can become a MAN OF IMPACT, a man who lives on even in death.
A guide into the right type of Legacy to leave behind is summarized in the acronym – GPS: Godly Standard | Positive Influence | Spiritual Direction
1. Godly Standard:
A good name is a godly standard, and God expects every man to build a good name and leave a good name for his family. Making a good name is more important than making money. You cannot buy a good name with your money, but a good name can earn you so much money. These are names you earn in the course of life. This is called Reputation; it is developed by the collection of your character, and integrity over time.
Godly influence also entails godly training. The kind of discipline and morals imbibed in the children must be according to the way of the Lord.
2. Positive Influence:
Leaving a legacy of positive influence starts from the home. The kind of atmosphere in the home influences a lot of things. It must not be toxic, full of hate and bullying.
(Ephesians 6:4) Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
You need wisdom, understanding and knowledge to not provoke your children to anger, and yet effectively enforce godly discipline on them to follow God’s instructions.
Job was both a spiritual father and a loving father. He had seven sons and three daughters. He invented annual family feasts to keep the family close together. Job was involved with his children socially and prayed for them spiritually (Job 1:2–5).
HOW TO CREATE A POSITIVE HOME – Don’t just be present at home for the children; you must also be emotionally available for them to connect with you.
Show love and create wonderful memories with your children. Don’t hide your love from them while in the house because love is scarce outside of home. Give them your listening ears and hear their feedback.
As a father, model the behavior you want to see in your home. Make your children feel special every day.
3. Spiritual Direction:
As a man in your home, primarily, you are the pastor, the prophet, and the priest of your home. Your spiritual temperature determines the spiritual temperature of your home. It is your role to provide for the home, protect the home, and preserve the value system in your home.
In the divine order, marriage exists before ministry. Be wise! Prophet Eli was too busy in the secondary ministry at the expense of the primary ministry and the end was catastrophic.
WHY MUST YOU BECOME A MAN OF IMPACT AND LEAVE A GPS LEGACY FOR YOUR CHILDREN?
Simply because the stakes are high, and the consequences are huge.
The book of 1 Kings 2:4 clearly stated that:
“…that the Lord may keep his promise to me: ‘If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.”
This explains that there are some God’s promises to you that cannot come into full manifestation in your lifetime and therefore requires your children, and grandchildren’s participation and cooperation with God.
So, the only way to make the blessings of God generational in your family is to bequeath God’s principles to them.
Say this prayer:
Father, make me a man of impact in my home, family, and generation in Jesus name.
