"And Jacob called unto his sons, and said, Gather yourselves together, that I may tell you that which shall befall you in the last days" (Genesis 49:1). In the words that follow Jacob proceeds to pronounce in prophecy the future of his sons' descendants. For the most part, Jacob's words dealt with the character of each of his sons and what that meant for their children and future generations. Although no one can now utter prophecy about our future descendants, it would do us well to consider the impact our character will have upon those who follow.

All too often, we spend our energies training our children how to be good children (doing well in school, minding us, etc.), but fail to teach them how to be successful adults. Our goals should extend far beyond seeing them graduate from high school or college or marrying. Parental responsibility is not just to provide for children for 18 or so years; it is to use those years in such a way as to make the rest of our children's lives have proper focus and meaning. It does not matter as much what people see in your children while they are at home as it does what they will see after they leave home. Live your life with your moral legacy in mind. Make a Christian life, a Christian home and Christian children your legacy, and future generations will call you blessed.