Be Better Than Me #408

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Be Better Than Me #408

“And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind...” 1 Chronicles 28:9 (ESV)

As parents, we want our children to have a better life than we did. We do everything possible to make that happen, sometimes to a fault. But the older I get, the more I realize that having more money, a bigger house, or accomplishing more isn't the answer. It's deeper than that. I believe parents want their children to be better than they were. For example, I want my sons to love their wives better than I loved their mother. I also want my son-in-law to love my daughter with all his heart. I want those men to be better in the ways that matter most.

When I think about a father wanting something greater for his son, I think about David and Solomon. David experienced victories, failures, and consequences throughout his life. As Solomon prepared to become king, David encouraged him to know God and serve Him wholeheartedly. David understood that Solomon's greatest success wouldn't be measured by the kingdom he ruled, but by his relationship with God.

We as parents offer advice too. Not because we're smarter than our children, but because we've probably failed more times than they realize. We've made decisions we wish we could change, remained silent when we should have spoken, and learned lessons the hard way. When we share those experiences, we're hoping to spare them a few regrets because we've been there.

I think I can speak for a lot of fathers when I say our children may not know something about us. I've prayed for my children to be better than me, not perfect or mistake-free, just better in the ways that truly matter. I’d also tell them there were days when I was tired, discouraged, and carrying more inside than they knew. I didn't want them to see it. Yet on those “bad” days, simply seeing them would make those burdens feel a little lighter. Our children can give us reasons to keep going and keep getting up, even if they don't realize it.

So here's my encouragement. Share what you've learned on your journey. Admit where you've stumbled or failed. Admitting your mistakes doesn't make you weak. It reminds those you love that they matter enough for you to share what you've learned. Don't be afraid to tell them, "I want you to be better than me. To have better, do better, live better, give better, and love better."

David knew that Solomon's relationship with God was more important than anything he could accomplish. That's still true for us today. We have opportunities every day to show our children and grandchildren what faith looks like. Not through perfection, but through the way we live, love, forgive, and follow Christ.

Make it your goal to encourage your children, grandchildren, or someone you're pouring into to know Jesus Christ and have a relationship with Him that's stronger than yours. You can start today with a phone call, a conversation, a simple text, or a handwritten note telling them, "I love you, and I love that you're better than me. The best is yet to come." Because maybe the greatest legacy isn't measured by what we accomplish, but by who becomes better because we were part of their lives.

Today is the day to live your legacy; visit lighthouselegacies.com, and I’ll join you. Also, listen to The Living Your Legacy Podcast. Purchase a copy of the 40 Day devotional on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HH2J4863