Father’s Day 2025: Four Gifts for Leaving a Legacy

Four Gifts Every Dad Should Give: Building a Lasting Legacy for Your Children Have you ever wondered what the most valuable inheritance you could leave your children might be? As Father's Day approaches, I've been reflecting on the legacy of my own grandfather and the profound impact he had on my life. While material possessions certainly have their place, I've come to realize that the most precious gifts we can give our children aren't things that can be wrapped up with a bow. Today, I want to share with you four powerful gifts that every dad can give to build a lasting legacy for their children. The Power of Example The first and perhaps most crucial gift we can give our children is the gift of example. As I look back on my own upbringing, I'm reminded of the words of King David to his son Solomon in 1 Kings 2:2-3: "I am about to go the way of all the earth," he said. "So be strong, act like a man, 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." David's parting words to his son weren't about wealth or power, but about following God and living a life of obedience. As fathers, our lives speak louder than our words ever could. Are we setting an example that points our children towards God? Are we demonstrating what it means to live by His Word? I'm reminded of my own father's approach when I was growing up. He used to tell me and my brother, "If you're a preacher or a Roto-Rooter skin diver, I don't care. Just love and serve the Lord and do whatever He wants you to do." This freedom allowed me to discover God's calling on my life without the pressure of living up to my dad's expectations. The Gift of Resources While we shouldn't spoil our children with excessive material possessions, there's immense value in providing resources that align with God's plan for their lives. In 1 Chronicles 28, we see how David, though not permitted to build the temple himself, gathered all the necessary materials for Solomon to complete the task: "Then David gave his son Solomon the plans for the portico of the temple, its buildings, its storerooms, its upper parts, its inner rooms and the place of atonement." (1 Chronicles 28:11) As fathers, we need wisdom to discern how to best resource our children. Are we funding activities and experiences that will draw them closer to God? Are we investing in their spiritual growth as much as their academic or athletic pursuits? Providing Help and Support The third gift David gave Solomon was the gift of help. He recognized that the task before his son was too great to accomplish alone. In 1 Chronicles 28:21, David says: "The divisions of the priests and Levites are ready for all the work on the temple of God, and every willing person skilled in any craft will help you in all the work." As dads, we need to surround our children with godly influences and mentors. This might mean connecting them with skilled teachers, coaches, or church leaders who can pour into their lives. It also means being discerning about the influences we allow into our children's lives, recognizing that some relationships may need to be limited for their spiritual well-being. The Power of Influence Finally, David gave Solomon the gift of his influence. In a public assembly, David endorsed Solomon as the next king and called on all the leaders to support him: "Then David said to the whole assembly, 'Praise the Lord your God.' So they all praised the Lord, the God of their fathers; they bowed down, prostrating themselves before the Lord and the king." (1 Chronicles 29:20) Our influence as fathers extends beyond our immediate family. How are we using our reputation and relationships to set our children up for success in following God's plan for their lives? Putting It Into Practice As we consider these four gifts - example, resources, help, and influence - how can we apply them in our own families? Here are some practical steps: 1. Evaluate your own walk with God. Are you consistently demonstrating a life of faith and obedience? 2. Look for opportunities to resource your children's spiritual growth. This might mean prioritizing church camps, mission trips, or Christian education. 3. Identify godly mentors and influences in your community. How can you connect your children with these individuals? 4. Use your influence wisely. Are you leveraging your relationships and reputation to open doors for your children to serve and grow in their faith? Remember, the greatest legacy we can leave isn't measured in dollars and cents, but in the spiritual inheritance we pass on to the next generation. As we celebrate Father's Day, let's commit to giving our children these four invaluable gifts, pointing them towards a life of following Christ and fulfilling God's purpose for their lives.