A Life of Legacy

Christian parents and grandparents can have an impact that lasts for generations

WRITTEN BY DREW MATZ

My grandfather and I were very close. I was brought up learning the ropes of hunting and fishing, and he taught me just about everything I need to know about the outdoors and instilled in me a deep respect for God’s creation. Although he was a 12 year pancreatic cancer survivor, he finally succumbed to the disease in 2018 at the age of 80.

Adjusting to life without Grandpa has not been easy. I am so used to picking up the phone and giving him a call – I could talk to him about nearly anything. But even though he is not here, he spent the years we had together building something that would survive beyond his earthly duration. He built a legacy in Christ that served as a foundation for something solid to be built on top of it – something grounded in an unshakable faith in Christ and hospitality that makes it a point to take care of everyone else before you take care of yourself. Here are a few takeaways from my Grandfather’s legacy, and how we can continue to build up the house of faith that our parents and grandparents started before us:

“Inheritance is not just about material possessions that get passed down when a loved one passes away”

Inheritance is Broad

Inheritance is not just about material possessions that get passed down when a loved one passes away. Rather, it is much more about receiving a legacy - a code of conduct and a way of life that can be emulated and constantly returned to as a touchpoint for how we regard our own lives. Instead of valuing the material possessions, let us instead receive with joy the memories we have with our loved ones and seek to continue to live in a way that reflects the values they have given us.

Character is Key

The most cherished value I have received from my Grandfather is the importance of character. My Grandfather is a man of radical hospitality. One could seldom enter his house without leaving with a full belly or without snacks for the road. My Grandfather has taught me to welcome everyone as if they are Jesus himself, to take care of all others before thinking of myself.

Embrace Responsibility

Part of my Grandfather’s legacy is learning how to accept responsibility for my own life’s choices and understanding that all actions have consequences, whether good or bad. In a generation where we are so used to instant gratification and having everything we could possible want, it has been a wellspring for me to return when “personal freedom” are the culture’s highest form of good.

Train up a child in the way he should go.

“my Grandfather’s legacy has been one of faith in Christ”

Most of all, my Grandfather’s legacy has been one of faith in Christ. Though far from a perfect person, my Grandfather always spoke often of the grace of God I Jesus Christ and how he looked forward to spending eternity in his presence. Seeing my Grandfather’s faith has helped to sustain me in light of his passing, knowing that although we are separated for a little while, we will all share life eternal in the presence of our Lord. My prayer is that my own children have this hope when I too pass away.

Article written by Drew Matz

A native of Southeastern Ohio, Drew moved to Fort Wayne, Indiana where he earned an MA in Theology from Concordia Theological Seminary, cultivating a love for Historical Theology and Biblical Languages. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management from Franklin University. Being from the Appalachian Foothills, Drew is passionate about the outdoors and the natural wonder it inspires. Drew currently resides in Fort Wayne with his wife and daughter.