My heritage will be their legacy
Heritage (hěr’ĭ-tĭj): something that comes or belongs to one by reason of birth.
I’ve been reading today about the early history of the Assemblies of God, so I’ve been thinking about my own heritage. I am blessed to be the son of A/G Pentecostal parents; and both of my parents come from Pentecostal A/G parents too, as well as two Pentecostal great-grandmothers. That makes me a fourth-generation “holy roller”! But the definition of heritage says that just came to me by reason of my birth; in other words, I had nothing to do with making that happen.
Legacy (lěg’ə-sē): anything handed down from the past.
Whereas I had nothing to do with my heritage, I have everything to do with the legacy I leave behind. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful (1 Corinthians 4:2).
Mom & Dad, thanks for the heritage you have entrusted to me. You have helped make me into the man I am today.
Harrison, Samantha & Brandon, with God helping me I promise to do my very best to leave you a legacy that will make you proud to be fifth-generation Pentecostals. May you be so equipped with my heritage to raise up the sixth generation of Pentecostals in our family!
November 22, 2008 at 2:51 pm
I’ve heard a couple of things about legacy/heritage lately. It is pretty important stuff. Childless people leave a legacy too. Reminds me off the church marquis that said, “Live in such a way that people won’t wish to exaggerate at your funeral.” We live for an audience of One and then everybody benefits.
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November 22, 2008 at 6:21 pm
I am blessed to grow up as a fourth generation Pentecostal (actualy fifth). I will work hard to keep up my “reputation” 🙂
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November 26, 2008 at 7:54 pm
UPDATE — So at Thanksgiving dinner my Mom corrected me: apparently I am a fourth-generation Pentecostal (who knew!), since both of my great-grandmothers on my Mom’s side of the family tree were Pentecostals. The original post has been corrected: new material is in green, and updates are struck out. -CTO
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November 27, 2008 at 8:37 am
Samantha hon,
Be assured; God will honor that proclaimation with His power to succeed! You ARE divinely placed in your enviable home and I am tickled to hear you boast about it. (Jer 9:23-24)
Kelly
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November 28, 2008 at 3:40 pm
I’m glad that I have a legacy and not just a heritage.
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December 1, 2008 at 5:54 pm
My daughters are both adopted from China so heritage by blood is something I cannot do anything about. However, my wife and I are working hard to leave them a legacy that they and my grandchildren and great-grandchildren can build upon. My wife is much better at this than I am but there are books out there from Focus On the Family that are a big help.
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