The Good Man & Woman’s Mandate

‘A good man(woman) leaves an inheritance for his(her) children’s children.’ Proverbs 13:22 NIV

If we call ourselves good, then we have been given a mandate; a command, that we are responsible to carry out. We cannot look over our shoulder and say that this is written for the other person. This has been written for you and for me.

The question is: are we up to the challenge? And what constitutes an inheritance? Well let’s get something clear. A good man or woman will leave a good inheritance.

Personally, I’m at a point in my life where I’m yet to meet my children’s children because they haven’t been born yet, but with every passing day that day is drawing closer. So for me, it’s a great time to consider the implications of this proverb on my own life – and I trust that it will enlighten yours.

Probably the most important question to answer is: what inheritance are we to leave to our children’s children?

Here are five areas that I have discovered.

1. Spiritual Inheritance

As a Christian, I count the greatest thing that I have ever given to my children was a personal invitation, while they were only two years of age, to invite Jesus Christ to be their personal Lord and Savior  – and at that point they too received the baptism in the Holy Spirit. You’d be surprised how spiritually alert children are even at the age of two. At a later date I even had the privilege of water baptizing my three children. I felt so strongly about this that I was never going to leave it to some stranger to lead them to a personal relationship with the Lord of my life. As their parent I saw it as my responsibility.

2. Mental Inheritance

I have, and even to this day always guided the reading done by my children. I put mind-expanding and life-changing books in their hands. These are books that expand their thinking, motivate them, instruct them and guide them. They are not just spiritual books, but also books that help them to set goals, grow their finances, guide their investments and teach them people skills.

3. Social Inheritance

One of the other great things I have done to help my children interact with others has been to teach them people skills. In most cases I have done this by example. My children haven’t always been taught this, but have actually caught it from watching me and listening to me in hundreds of communications with others, whether in person or over the phone. Having the ability to deal with others with respect will always open doors. You may lack the knowledge in other areas, but if you demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate with others – no door will ever be shut to you.

4. Physical Inheritance

This for me is a constant challenge. But I work hard to keep fit and to keep healthy. This comes down to conducting regular exercise, eating good food and drinking healthy fluids. As a family, when we discovered that our son had been born with one kidney(when he was already well into his teenage years), we really corrected a lot of health areas in our family’s life – particularly with regards to our intake of food and water – to the point that my wife now writes a regular health article in her blog www.healthysnips.com to help other families.

5. Financial Inheritance

I have made it a point to sit down with my children and have informed them that we have a mandate, as a family, to be wealthy. Not just for our own indulgence, but so that we can be blessed to be a blessing. And that is why we start businesses, why we invest and why I introduce my children to my mentors – and will continue to do so – all the way to rich.

Why? Because ‘a good man(woman) leaves an inheritance for his(her) children’s children’.

Tags: Inheritance, Leadership, Wealth Creation

Posted: 02/06/2010