WHAT IS THE MARK of the integrity of a person, and what legacy do they leave? And who, in the course of a lifetime, knows what the balance of his or her actions, good and bad, will produce after their time? These are no mere idle thoughts. Every one of our acts begins a history of its own. Some have a very limited impact and are of short duration; some wield continuing influence down the corridors of time. How, then, shall we guide our acts so that they are a blessing to those we will never meet? Consider this overarching biblical warning: “I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.” (Deut. 5:9-10)
Every family has its curses, and if one observes long enough and closely enough they can be traced back through known generations. The curse that all families share, however, is the one that can be traced all the way back to Adam and Eve. From that great distance we see the evolution throughout all generations of the curse of a sin nature, but also the blessing of physical life and, again speaking biblically, the eternal life that flows through physical life and beyond. Weighting the balance of our progenitors’ acts, which of their acts is the greatest? We would argue for life, with all its trials and inconsistencies, but must at the same time lament the loss of what might have been.
In examining the patriarch Abraham’s life, we see him as one willing to shade the truth—a less kind term is ‘lie to save his own skin’—as he sells out his wife while he panders to a powerful ruler. (cf. Gen. 1: 20:16) But we also see him as heroic, one who rescues family member Lot and conquers kings. (cf. Gen. 14:1-24) Abraham’s legacy is somewhat mixed. The historical and present internecine wars of the Middle East stem directly from him, and so too will the circumstances that will lead to Armageddon; stemming from him also are two more of the great world religions. These two rest upon the shoulders of what is an incredibly small religion, but this one, according to the world’s perennially best-selling book, was established by the will of God through this one man, Abraham.
On balance, which of his acts has the most historical importance? We would argue in favor of not physical life, though billions have come from him, but for spiritual life—and this not because of the religions that have come from him, but because through him the purposes of God were completed in his physical heir, Jesus. Abraham’s greatest act, the one that has forced the history of mankind down the pathway towards its inevitable conclusion, was his faith. “Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” (Gen. 15:6) And because of his faith “all the peoples of the earth have been blessed.” (Gen. 12:3) Abraham has undeniably left a great legacy.
What marks us? What legacy will you and I leave—a curse to several generations, or blessings to many… or both? Solomon said, “For who knows what is good for a man in life, during the few and meaningless days he passes through like a shadow? Who can tell him what will happen under the sun after he is gone?” (Ecc. 6:12) These are no mere idle thoughts. In fact, these may be some of the most fruitful thoughts we can reflect upon to guide our actions in this life for the benefit of those who follow. Moses’ thoughtful advice is worthy of daily contemplation: “Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (Psa. 90:12) And from Jesus, we gain a view back past the purposes of creation. “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!” (Matt. 7:9-11)
Let this be our prayer in these matters: Father we thank you for life in body and soul, and especially in Spirit. May our gratitude to you be evident in the consistent comport of our actions in our daily life. May the balance of our actions be found worthy in your sight. How thankful we are that our salvation does not depend upon this fragile equilibrium. May the curses we pass down be minimal, and may we be known to many generations of descendants for our love towards them, and may they be both recipients and benefactors in this love.
Q. Am I intentionally creating a legacy of blessings?
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