FEATURE
BY PASTOR CHRIS KAM
E very Christian leaves something behind when he or she is finally called home to be with the Lord someday. Leaving a legacy or a heritage is not an option. The question is,“ What type of legacy will you leave behind?” This could be one of the most profound questions that may change the way you live your life.
You see, your family passes on a legacy to you – good or bad – because that is what they have, and you will passes on a legacy to your children by which they will live by. It would be reasonable to say that all parents would love to leave something good for their children to the best of their abilities. But what is the thing of greatest value that we can leave behind for them? The things of greatest value would be reflected by what we put our time to. Excellence in academic pursuits and extracurricular activities are something Malaysian parents take pride in. Hence, the constant shuttle from one tuition to another after school and on top of that, all kinds of classes, from swimming to music. There is a mad race to chase after the things that we think will get our children ahead of the pack. But are they really things the greatest worth?
An added challenge would be to pass these on to the next generation and beyond.“ A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’ s children.”( Proverbs 13: 22) Generational blessings are to be a norm in God’ s plan for our families.“ One generation will commend your works to another; they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendour of your majesty, and I will meditate on your wonderful works.”( Psalm 145:4 – 5)
Martin Luther, a seminal figure in the Protestant Movement, was asked what he would do if he knew he were going to die tomorrow. His simple reply was " I would go out and plant a tree." He would, in other words, leave behind a legacy of life that would grow on and on into the future. This brings into questions the focus of many in their quests to leave behind wealth, possessions and good academic
28 ASIAN BEACON 48 # 1 December 2016- January 2017