“Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren.”Proverbs 13:22 NLT
MANY PEOPLE are reluctant to draw up a will. At a subconscious level they fear that as soon as they do, they’ll “cash in their chips.” But not according to the Bible. In Scripture long life is one of God’s promises to us: “Fear of the Lord lengthens one’s life” (Proverbs 10:27 NLT). So with that in mind, here’s an important question for you to answer, sooner rather than later. If you died tomorrow would your money, your home, your furnishings, your clothing and your valuables go to the people you intended? Are you sure? The best way to be certain is to sit down now while you’re in good health and sound mind and write down what you want to leave and to whom. Think also of your liquid assets. Do you want to leave a certain amount to your family, or your church, or a ministry or charity you believe in? If you do, call a lawyer and have it clearly spelled out in a legal document. Don’t leave a mess that’ll mean more work for the courts, more taxes for the government, and a legacy of disappointment and confusion for your loved ones. The Bible says, “Good people leave an inheritance to their grandchildren.” Your stewardship doesn’t end at the grave. In fact, if the parable of the talents Jesus taught us means anything at all, it means you’ll be judged according to what you did with what was entrusted to you in this life (See Matthew 25:15). So don’t put this off—deal with it right away.
