Leaving a Legacy

I’ve just finished reading C. J. Mahaney’s book, Humility: True Greatness, which I would heartily recommend to anyone. I was especially smitten with the final chapter, which pertains to leaving A Legacy of Greatness. As I don’t have children yet (but will very soon, Lord willing), I pray this is of even more benefit to you.

He begins by making this statement: “As I understand it, parenting is about preparation. Preparation for our children’s future and preparation for the fast-approaching final day of judgment.” Wow! Never have I envisioned parenting in such grand and cosmic terms! But, it’s true, isn’t it?! He goes on: “Do your ambitions for your son or daughter include a certain vocation or a certain level of education? Graduation from a certain college? Professional or athletic or artistic recognition? If so, let me ask this: Are any of these ambitions in line with true greatness as defined in Scripture?”

He cites Mark 9:35 as the definition of true greatness, which says “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all,” (emphasis mine) and Mark 10:43 (“whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant”). This, of course, was the example Jesus set, as we’ve just been reminded by this past Sunday’s sermon (John 13:1-20). Will this, then, be the bar by which we judge our children’s greatness? Mahaney puts it this way: “Are you more interested in temporal recognition for your child than you are in his eternal reward?”

As he does with other chapters, Mahaney then outlines some practical ways of implementing these truths. “First and foremost, parents are to be an example of greatness for their children,” modeling humble servanthood. Second, we must define true greatness for our children, in light of Christ’s example. We must also learn to teach our children to discern and admire true greatness. A great way to do this is to “not celebrate anything more than you celebrate godly character in your children.” He says that he commends his son for academic achievement or an athletic award, but they break out into real celebration when there’s a demonstration of humility, servanthood, or godly character.”

Instead of admiring sports figures or celebrities, Mahaney suggests (and I agree) that “the local church is filled with truly great people.” Every week, there are those who are “faithfully serving others for God’s glory.” He cites you, as parents, as well, as you all have served “unselfishly and continuously.” His final suggestion is this: teach your children to serve. “Your family’s higher purpose, even ultimate purpose, is to serve the local church.”