What to Leave Children
A father's holy life and integrity are the greatest legacies he can leave his children, and can even lead to their salvation.
C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the significance of a father's integrity and character as the most valuable inheritance for his children, surpassing material wealth. He argues that a holy life serves as a powerful legacy, influencing descendants positively and enhancing their reputation in society. Spurgeon highlights the importance of leaving behind not just an example, but also prayers that invoke God's blessings, which can lead to the salvation of future generations. He encourages fathers to live righteously, as their integrity may be the means through which their children come to faith in Jesus. Ultimately, Spurgeon prays for the fulfillment of God's promises to his household.
Text
The just man walketh in his integrity: his children are blessed after him. (Proverbs 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 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!
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Integrity
- The Upright Man Leaves a Legacy
- The Power of Prayer
- Prayers and God's blessing make offspring favored
- God will save children even after we are dead
Key Quotes
“A father's holy life is a rich legacy for his sons.” — C.H. Spurgeon
“How many men may trace their success in life to the example of their parents!” — C.H. Spurgeon
“Lord, fulfill this word to my household!” — C.H. Spurgeon
Application Points
- Make your integrity and character a priority, as this will be a lasting legacy for your children.
- Pray for your children and trust in God's blessing to make them favored among the sons of men.
- Live a life that proves the truth of our religion, that your children may believe in Jesus for themselves.