The banking crisis has caught the attention of most people these days. It is fascinating to read articles as to how it should be corrected, what to keep an eye on, and suggestions for the average person.
We have not accumulated much, but we have worked hard to get what has been obtained and desire our children to benefit. Our love for our children, and wanting to do what is best for each of them, weighs heavily on our hearts.
Solomon struggled with much the same problem although, he being an abundantly wealthy man, had much to decide upon. His thoughts on this very topic have been recorded for us:
“Thus I hated all the fruit of my labor for which I had labored under the sun, for I must leave it to the man who will come after me. And who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool? Yet he will have control over all the fruit of my labor for which I have labored by acting wisely under the sun. This too is vanity.“ (Ecclesiastes 2:18-19, NASB)
Solomon asked God for wisdom in his decision making. As I read his words, I cannot help but wonder if perhaps there is even a greater wealth we leave behind.
And perhaps it isn’t possessions or wealth. Can it be more about “treasure”?
“Treasure” >>> “any thing or person greatly valued or highly prized; to retain carefully or keep in store” (from dictionary.com)
We work hard to provide for our children the best we can. We want to leave them something which will make life easier or more enjoyable. All very noble indeed. Yet there is nothing we can leave which can guarantee either ease or enjoyment. We cannot even be certain anything we leave them, in the form of monetary gain, will be lasting.
In the wake of all this banking uncertainty, I came to one conclusion – We are to continue to do exactly what we are doing.
We pray, we stay in God’s Word, applying His truth to our own lives. We actively, and consistently, and persistently pursue God’s ways so that our lives become living examples our children will remember and desire for themselves, even after we are gone from this earth.
And then we leave the rest to Him and trust God to do what only He can do ”“ bring our children to Himself, grow them into wise adults, and keep them following His ways.
The treasure we leave them is God Himself. He alone is to be highly esteemed and desired. He alone is Who they will hold onto. It is His very Word we hope they will store up in their hearts and mind.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.“ (Matthew 6:21, NASB)
May He be treasured above all else,
and Jesus be the legacy we leave them.
It can be so difficult to find the right words to comfort our grieving family and friends. In her post, “How to Pray for a Grieving Friend” HERE, Lois Flowers brings wisdom from personal experience: “We can pray that our grieving friends will be able to see through the fog, even if it’s just far enough for the next step.”
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Amen. I so hope that my children see Jesus in me, and that they realize He wants to be their treasure, too.
It’s humbling to think He wants to be our treasure and theirs. May it be so, friend!
Amen, Joanne, He is “the treasure we leave them is God Himself. May He be treasured above all else, and Jesus be the legacy we leave them.”
I love the name Abraham gave the Lord when He provided a lamb in place of Isaac. Jehovah Jireh””The Lord will provide. I agree, to know the Lord is the very best inheritance.
Indeed He is!
Joanne, such good truth here, while we hope to secure our funds for our children, ultimately our greatest desire is that they know our truest treasure is in heaven. That is, the treasure of our hearts is Jesus.
I think of leaving a heritage of faith, rather than a heritage of funds.
May it be so, Donna, is my prayer for families!
No matter how much or how little we have monetarily, we do have a treasure that is so much more valuable. I pray that my children and grandchildren will genuinely embrace it. It can be so discouraging when it seems like so many are bent on living life like so much of the world.
There are times it can be discouraging but may we trust that every seed planted will yield a deep and committed faith.
Beautiful words here Joanne – yes our treasure is God Himself! We are so blessed to be anchored to Him – whether a storm or calmness we are with Him.
Amen, Joanne. Let’s “trust God to do what only He can do.”
Such a comforting message in these uncertain times. This is my prayer for my girls as they get older too … that God would “grow them into wise adults, and keep them following His ways.” Thank you for sharing my post. I’m still thinking about the prayer you shared when you commented on it … “Jesus, You alone know.” Poignant truth when we don’t know how to pray. Hugs, friend.
There is such peace in knowing that He knows. He knows every detail, every twist and turn, and the outcome. May we find peace in that. Praying for you and yours tonight.
Such wise words here Joanne! Thoughts that have been much in my mind of late too.
Bless you sweet friend, Jennifer
Joanne, this is such a beautiful post. As we are in the throes of launching our boy-men into the world, I find myself praying more and more that they will take the treasures of God’s word with them as they launch.
Amen Joanne, these are very wise words my friend. Indeed we should keep doing what we’re doing and leave the rest to Him.
I pray my greatest treasures are laid up in heaven. I also hope I’ve left a legacy of faith for my family.