How can I leave a spiritual heritage for those who come after me? - Heritage - TouchPoints

Psalm 112:1-3Praise the Lord! How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands. Their children will be successful everywhere; an entire generation of godly people will be blessed. They themselves will be wealthy, and their good deeds will last forever.

Proverbs 20:7The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them.

2 Timothy 1:5I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you.

We can pass on a spiritual heritage by living our lives exemplifying faith, obedience, and integrity. Those who watch and respect us will follow in our footsteps.

Acts 16:14-15One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who worshiped God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying. She and her household were baptized, and she asked us to be her guests. “If you agree that I am a true believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my home.” And she urged us until we agreed.

Acts 16:30-34Then he brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, along with everyone in your household.” And they shared the word of the Lord with him and with all who lived in his household. Even at that hour of the night, the jailer cared for them and washed their wounds. Then he and everyone in his household were immediately baptized. He brought them into his house and set a meal before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced because they all believed in God.

We can pass on a spiritual heritage by encouraging others in our family to experience a personal relationship with God, beginning with salvation through Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 2:11-12You know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children. We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory.

We can leave a spiritual heritage by encouraging our children to live godly lives. A positive example and gentle encouragement increase the likelihood that they will grow in their own relationship with Christ.

2 Chronicles 20:13All the men of Judah stood before the Lord with their little ones, wives, and children.

Nehemiah 12:43Many sacrifices were offered on that joyous day, for God had given the people cause for great joy. The women and children also participated in the celebration, and the joy of the people of Jerusalem could be heard far away.

We can pass on a spiritual heritage by worshiping God together as a family. The joy experienced through united worship echoes far into the future.

Proverbs 4:1-10My children, listen when your father corrects you. Pay attention and learn good judgment, for I am giving you good guidance. Don’t turn away from my instructions. For I, too, was once my father’s son, tenderly loved as my mother’s only child. My father taught me, “Take my words to heart. Follow my commands, and you will live. Get wisdom; develop good judgment. Don’t forget my words or turn away from them. Don’t turn your back on wisdom, for she will protect you. Love her, and she will guard you. Getting wisdom is the wisest thing you can do! And whatever else you do, develop good judgment. If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you. She will place a lovely wreath on your head; she will present you with a beautiful crown.” My child, listen to me and do as I say, and you will have a long, good life.

Proverbs 6:20-23My son, obey your father’s commands, and don’t neglect your mother’s instruction. Keep their words always in your heart. Tie them around your neck. When you walk, their counsel will lead you. When you sleep, they will protect you. When you wake up, they will advise you. For their command is a lamp and their instruction a light; their corrective discipline is the way to life.

Proverbs 22:6Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.

2 Timothy 3:14-15You must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.

We can pass on a spiritual heritage by giving our children godly instruction based on Scripture. Someday, they will bless us for our efforts.

Proverbs 13:24Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.

Proverbs 22:15A youngster’s heart is filled with foolishness, but physical discipline will drive it far away.

Hebrews 12:11No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

We can pass on a spiritual heritage by disciplining children. This can be unpleasant for all involved, but the momentary pain of discipline will bring long-lasting joy of discipleship.

Exodus 10:2“I’ve also done it so you can tell your children and grandchildren about how I made a mockery of the Egyptians and about the signs I displayed among them—and so you will know that I am the Lord.”

Exodus 12:26-27“Then your children will ask, ‘What does this ceremony mean?’ And you will reply, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the Lord, for he passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt. And though he struck the Egyptians, he spared our families.’”

Deuteronomy 6:20-24“In the future your children will ask you, ‘What is the meaning of these laws, decrees, and regulations that the Lord our God has commanded us to obey?’ Then you must tell them, ‘We were Pharaoh’s slaves in Egypt, but the Lord brought us out of Egypt with his strong hand. The Lord did miraculous signs and wonders before our eyes, . . . And the Lord our God commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear him so he can continue to bless us and preserve our lives, as he has done to this day.’”

Psalm 145:4-7Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness.

Isaiah 38:19Only the living can praise you as I do today. Each generation tells of your faithfulness to the next.

Isaiah 59:21“And this is my covenant with them,” says the Lord. “My Spirit will not leave them, and neither will these words I have given you. They will be on your lips and on the lips of your children and your children’s children forever. I, the Lord, have spoken!”

Joel 1:3Tell your children about it in the years to come, and let your children tell their children. Pass the story down from generation to generation.

We can pass on a spiritual heritage by telling our children about God. That’s our responsibility. We should take every opportunity to pass on our own stories of God’s faithfulness in our lives.