“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.†This saying is true, and it can be trusted. I was the worst sinner of all! But since I was worse than anyone else, God had mercy on me and let me be an example of the endless patience of Christ Jesus. He did this so that others would put their faith in Christ and have eternal life. I pray that honor and glory will always be given to the only God, who lives forever and is the invisible and eternal King! Amen.    1 Timothy 1:15-17 (CEV)
I watched a movie this week, Mrs Miniver. It was made in 1942 and tells the story of a middle-class English family and their life during World War II. There are no famous historical people. No royalty, no generals. Just small town people who lived, and died, during a time that they never imagined could happen. Their homes and churches were bombed. They learned to reach out and help each other, encourage each other. I watched the movie twice. I believe it prompted me to think often this week about what is really important in this life and am I transparent and real to my children and grandchildren about what is important.
I am not perfect. I think it is often a difficult thing for parents to admit “I don’t know†or “I’m sorry. I was wrong.†Do we really think that our children are shocked that we don’t know everything? And if I am not willing to apologize and admit I am wrong, how can I expect that from my children? I am a sinner. If I wasn’t a sinner, I wouldn’t need a savior. Is the problem that I do not want to show my children that I am dependent upon Jesus? If I live my life as if it is dependent upon me and what I do, then I am teaching my children to do the same. I tried living the first 40 years of my life like that and it didn’t work very well for me. I want my children to choose to live their life more wisely.
I have chosen Jesus. There are no grandchildren in God’s family. Everyone of us is His child. My children will not get to heaven because of my choice. They have to make a choice for themselves. Does my life reflect the reasons why I chose Jesus? Do I preach to my children or follow Jesus’ example and teach and try to live my life as He did?
This is the best of what I can give. When my time here in this world is done, what am I leaving my children and grandchildren? Jesus said that I should store up treasures that are not destroyed by moths and rust and can be stolen (Matthew 6:19-21). The best legacy I can leave to my children and grandchildren is the testimony of my faith. I don’t have silver or gold to give to my children but what I do have is much, much better – eternal life through Jesus Christ. It will mean that death has no ability to destroy our life together. We will live together in Paradise with our Father.
I was given the gift of eternal life freely. And freely I give it to my children and grandchildren. Jesus’ gift is free of condemnation because in Him they are brand new – just like me.
Through Heaven’s Eyes from the movie, Prince of Egypt, sung by Brian Stokes Mitchell
