Is it a legacy or is it an inheritance

Have you known of family members squabbling and fighting over the inheritance? Worst. Have you ever heard of siblings fighting over the inheritance even while the father or the mother is still alive?

Do not underestimate the effect of what you leave behind.

Did Johann Sebastian Bach leave a legacy of music behind?

It would seem so – more than 100 descendants of Johann Sebastian Bach have been cathedral organists.

Featured in that wonderful book entitled “Illustrations Unlimited,” learn some lessons from this story.

Max Jukes lived in New York. He did not believe in Christ or in Christian training. He refused to take his children to church, even when they asked to go. He has had 1,026 descendants; 300 were sent to prison for an average term of thirteen years; 190 were public prostitutes; 680 were admitted alcoholics. His family, thus far, has cost the state in excess of $420,000. They made no contribution to society.

Jonathan Edwards lived in the same state, at the same time as Jukes. He loved the Lord and saw that his children were in church every Sunday, as he served the Lord to the best of his ability. He has had 929 descendants, and of these 430 were ministers; 86 became university professors; 13 became university presidents; 75 authored good books; 7 were elected to the United States Congress. One was vice president of his nation. His family never cost the state one-cent but has contributed immeasurably to the life of plenty in that land today.

But the question is: what about you and me? Mere mortals in this decaying planet rising up early in the morning, braving the terrible blood-sucking energy-zapping metropolitan traffic trying to make an honest living wanting to leave something behind for our loved ones? What are we leaving behind?

Maybe the same question is aptly addressed to those who have mastered the science and art of wealth creation. Those whose personal investment portfolio has withstood the onslaught of the Lehman Brothers debacle and can afford to live a thousand lifetimes even if they do not have to work a single day in their lives. What are they leaving behind?

And thus, the question: Are we leaving an inheritance or are we leaving a legacy. There is a big difference in between.