As I write this morning (28th) my heart is very focused on my inheritance and the inheritance that Judy and I have together in the Lord.  Scripture is full of illustrations of receiving an inheritance.  An inheritance is something that has been entrusted to you, sometimes at a deep cost.  God has given his children an inheritance of eternal life, made possible by the death of his son.  I Peter 1:3 tells us that we have received, “an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.  This inheritance is kept in heaven for you…”  What I feel deeply this morning is the inheritance I have received from others and in turn my responsibility to pass on to my family a godly inheritance.  “A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children (Prov 13:22).

I am blessed to have married into my wife family (the Seburgs).  I have been enriched and nurtured by the spiritual heritage that Stan and Doris so humbly and graciously passed down to my family, both spiritually and materially.  I am very aware that I have a responsibility to pass that on to my family. To that I am committed.  I do not know what is ahead for Judy and I, but I know that we are committed to passing on a “godly seed” to our children and grandchildren.  Some years ago as I was struggling regarding this issue I read Ps. 37 over many times.  The following was  encouragement and a challenge to me. “The blameless spend their days under the Lord’s care, and their inheritance will endure forever.  In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty (v 21-22).  There is something lasting and enduring about a godly inheritance. 

Men, how aware are you of what you are passing on to your children.  Here are three factors to consider when you think of passing on a godly inheritance.  First, you have received an inheritance.  The fact that you are reading this blog gives an indication tha.t you are concerned about your spiritual life. This is the mercy of God having touched you through the life of others who have gone before.  Never forget, that you stand on the spiritual life imparted to you through others who have gone before you.   Secondly, you will have to “fight” so that your godly inheritance may passed on to your family.  I like to think of it as inheriting the land, similar to the people of Israel.  It was given to them, but they to fight.  When you fight to maintain your heritage and pass it on, you do so with the weapons of love and humility. “But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity” (Ps 37:11).  A godly inheritance does not come cheaply. 

Finally when you think of passing on your inheritance, the biggest contributor to your legacy is who you were in the Lord.  Listen to how the Message translates Matt 5:5, “You’re blessed when you’re content with just who you are – no more, no less.  That’s the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can’t be bought.”  What you pass on to your family can’t be bought.  It is all about what God has done in you.  So this morning, I plead with each man who is read this blog, commit yourself anew to a godly inheritance.   There will be temptations to compromise, doubts about the path ahead and those who will attempt to hijack your inheritance by discrediting who you are.  Determine to be a man of integrity.

Take to heart these words that God gave to young Joshua as he was about to lead the people of God into their inheritance; the promised land. “No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life.  As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.  Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them (Joshua 1:5-6).   So take heart, men  – be strong and courageous.  Don’t let anything and anyone rob you of your inheritance and what God is calling you to pass on to your family.