We all leave a legacy. Some legacies are good. Others, not so much. Discover from the life of David how to pass down a legacy worth living. If you evaluate David as a parent, you are going to see someone who looks alot like you feel as a parent. You are going to see someone with some high and extremely low points as a parent. He got some things right and got many things terribly wrong. Rather than focusing on what David got wrong, let’s learn what David got right.
Read, David’s charge to Solomon from 1 Kings 2. 1 When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son. 2 “I am about to go the way of all the earth,” he said. “So be strong, act like a man, 3 and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go 4 and that the Lord may keep his promise to me: ‘If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.’ 1 KINGS 2:1-4
David used very direct language to shape the future of Solomon, Israel’s future king. His charge was straightforward. It’s time to man up. Man up by obeying God can keeping His commands. Man up by remembering who you are and whose you are.
LEGACY OF FAITH
Right Priorities: David loved God passionately and trusted God fully. As primary faith trainers, parents must instill spiritual values (love and trust) in their children, guiding them to establish a strong relationship with God that will anchor them in life.
GOAL: Faith isn’t something just that my kids have. Faith is how they live!
Remember, despite the spiritual legacy, Solomon also faced challenges and made decisions that diverged from his father's faith. His foreign alliances, and excessive wives led to spiritual compromise. These moments serve as reminders that even a legacy of faith doesn't limit one from making personal choices both good and bad. If it was true for David and Solomon, it will be true for us, too. Our kids will experience successes and failures of their own choosing. As parents, we are responsible for our investment. Our kids are responsible for the outcomes of their own lives.
LEGACY IS CAUGHT MORE THAN TAUGHT
Role Modeling: David's legacy of both triumphs and failures underscores the importance of being authentic and transparent as a parent. Parents must acknowledge their own imperfections, showing their children the value of humility and repentance while striving to be positive role models.
Question: How visible is your faith to those who know you the most?
Can they see in you what you say matters to you?
LEGACY REQUIRES PRAYER AND PERSONAL INVESTMENT WITH EVERY NEW SEASON
Intentional Guidance: David's charge to Solomon showcases the significance of imparting specific wisdom and values to the next generation. Parents must provide intentional guidance, sharing practical advice and spiritual insights that equip their children for life. This requires a shift in pareting depeding on the age and life stage of kids. When kids are young, we do everything for them. As they age, responsibility is shared but we tell them what to do. As they mature, we shift from doing and telling to coaching. This transistioning of relationship requires that we give our kids what they need today while we prepare them for what comes tomorrow.
Read, David’s charge to Solomon from 1 Kings 2. 1 When the time drew near for David to die, he gave a charge to Solomon his son. 2 “I am about to go the way of all the earth,” he said. “So be strong, act like a man, 3 and observe what the Lord your God requires: Walk in obedience to him, and keep his decrees and commands, his laws and regulations, as written in the Law of Moses. Do this so that you may prosper in all you do and wherever you go 4 and that the Lord may keep his promise to me: ‘If your descendants watch how they live, and if they walk faithfully before me with all their heart and soul, you will never fail to have a successor on the throne of Israel.’ 1 KINGS 2:1-4
David used very direct language to shape the future of Solomon, Israel’s future king. His charge was straightforward. It’s time to man up. Man up by obeying God can keeping His commands. Man up by remembering who you are and whose you are.
LEGACY OF FAITH
Right Priorities: David loved God passionately and trusted God fully. As primary faith trainers, parents must instill spiritual values (love and trust) in their children, guiding them to establish a strong relationship with God that will anchor them in life.
GOAL: Faith isn’t something just that my kids have. Faith is how they live!
Remember, despite the spiritual legacy, Solomon also faced challenges and made decisions that diverged from his father's faith. His foreign alliances, and excessive wives led to spiritual compromise. These moments serve as reminders that even a legacy of faith doesn't limit one from making personal choices both good and bad. If it was true for David and Solomon, it will be true for us, too. Our kids will experience successes and failures of their own choosing. As parents, we are responsible for our investment. Our kids are responsible for the outcomes of their own lives.
LEGACY IS CAUGHT MORE THAN TAUGHT
Role Modeling: David's legacy of both triumphs and failures underscores the importance of being authentic and transparent as a parent. Parents must acknowledge their own imperfections, showing their children the value of humility and repentance while striving to be positive role models.
Question: How visible is your faith to those who know you the most?
Can they see in you what you say matters to you?
LEGACY REQUIRES PRAYER AND PERSONAL INVESTMENT WITH EVERY NEW SEASON
Intentional Guidance: David's charge to Solomon showcases the significance of imparting specific wisdom and values to the next generation. Parents must provide intentional guidance, sharing practical advice and spiritual insights that equip their children for life. This requires a shift in pareting depeding on the age and life stage of kids. When kids are young, we do everything for them. As they age, responsibility is shared but we tell them what to do. As they mature, we shift from doing and telling to coaching. This transistioning of relationship requires that we give our kids what they need today while we prepare them for what comes tomorrow.