Legacy of the Just

The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him. (Proverbs 20:7)

When you hear the word legacy, what do you think?

Maybe you think of a famous sports personality that is known long after they leave the game.

Maybe you think of someone who started a business, and their family can take it over and lead it for many years after they are gone.

But have you considered the importance of the legacy of a person’s character?

Proverb 20:7 says that a man’s integrity (or his innocence) directly affects the next generation's future.

When parents bring their children to church to be dedicated, I make it a point to tell the parents that how their children live their life will not depend on their pastor or even the Word that is preached on a Sunday. The greatest determining factor on how children live their life is how they see their parents living and acting.

Even if you don’t have children, or if your children are already grown, the next generation still looks to you. They watch how you handle stressful situations. They mimic the words that come out of your mouth. They will apply how you treat others to their own relationships as they grow older.

Like it or not, you are already leaving a legacy. Will those who follow you speak life or death? Will they walk in blessings or cursings? Will they see the blessings of the Lord, or will they live with the burden of their sins?

Practical Application

When you are tempted to speak in a way that is contrary to your faith, act in a way that will hurt or harm others or make it a point to act in a way that is contrary to the Word of God, realize that you are damaging more than your reputation when you do. You are leaving a legacy with your actions.

Proverbs 29:22; Psalm 112:2

The Words of the Righteous

The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked. (Proverbs 10:11)

When God created humanity, He gave us the ability and authority to use speech to enact change in the world (see Genesis 1:26). Proverbs confirms this precept by letting us know that the words of the righteous are not just sounds and thoughts that come out of their mouths. Instead, they are a life-giving force that God gave each of us. Proverbs 10:11 invites us to consider the authority and blessing we can spread through our speech. You can uplift, encourage, and bring life to the people around you through the words that you release in an atmosphere.

Being a righteous person means our words are a source of God’s life to those around us. The righteous man doesn't engage in negativity, complaining, or judging others. These result from the wicked’s words. Those with no relationship with God are known to spew out dangerous and harsh words that hurt others without a thought of remorse for the damage their words have caused. In fact, the wicked do not consider that their speech is affecting anyone other than themselves.

But how do the righteous find the right words to say? The world often turns to various authors of assorted books for insights into what to say and how to act and how to influence others, but the Bible is the only book you need to consult about how we are called to interact with one another.

Practical Application

As you read your Bible this week, take a moment to think about what this Scripture is telling you about how to connect with and treat others. How is the Holy Spirit directing me to speak, act, or connect through the Word?

Proverbs 10:6; Proverbs 13:14

Investing Faithfully for the Kingdom

Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. And he said unto him, Well, thou good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained five pounds. And he said likewise to him, Be thou also over five cities. (Luke 19:16-19)

In the parable of the talents in Luke 19, Jesus gave us a revelation about stewardship and faithfulness with what God gives us. In the story, Jesus said the master trusted his servants to take care of different amounts of money. What the master gave symbolizes the resources, gifts, and opportunities God gives to each of us. It’s important to note that the focus of this parable is not simply about having material wealth but about investing in the opportunities, resources, gifts, and people God has placed in our lives as well.

The first servant multiplied his one pound into ten. When he had done so, the master was pleased with him saying, “Well done, good servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities.” This perfectly illustrates a kingdom principle: when you’re faithful in the small matters God gives you, you will be blessed with greater responsibilities and rewards in the future.

The second servant ended up multiplying his one pound into five. He also received the same honor and celebration from their master for his stewardship and obedience.

However, the third servant was different. Instead of seeing the opportunity and being honored with what he was given, this servant buried his talent out of fear, laziness, and a lack of initiative. When he gave back his talent, the master's response was harsh. He was called a wicked and unprofitable servant.

Practical Application

What has God given to you, and how are you investing it? It could be your time, talents, relationships, or resources. In all of them, God expects you to be diligent and productive for the Kingdom.

Luke 16:10; Matthew 25:21