April 25
WHAT TO LEAVE CHILDREN
"The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed
after him" Prov. 20:7
Anxiety about our family is natural, but we shall be wise if we
turn it into care about our own character. If we walk before the Lord
in integrity, we shall do more to bless our descendants than if we
bequeathed them large estates. A father's holy life is a rich legacy
for his sons.
The upright man leaves his heirs his example, and this in itself
will be a mine of true wealth. How many men may trace their success in
life to the example of their parents!
He leaves them also his repute. Men think all the better of us as
the sons of a man who could be trusted, the successors of a tradesman
of excellent repute. Oh, that all young men were anxious to keep up
the family name!
Above all, he leaves his children his prayers and the blessing of a
prayer-hearing God, and these make our offspring to be favored among
the sons of men. God will save them even after we are dead. Oh, that
they might be saved at once!
Our integrity may be God's means of saving our sons and daughters.
If they see the truth of our religion proved by our lives, it may be
that they will believe in Jesus for themselves. Lord, fulfill this
word to my household!