Family Tree

I think it would absolutely crazy to trace our family tree back to biblical times. I’m not sure you could even do that. I think it would be cool to trace my ancestry back to the emigrants who first came to America.  I do think it’s good to know where I came from, but it’s not nearly as important as to where I’m going. My past ancestors do not determine the choices I make today. The ones close to me have had a big impact on my life, but it is really up to me and my daily choices as to how I choose to live.  My grandmother had a huge impact on my life in multiple ways.  Her faith was clear and steady over the years. Others in our family were not moved by her faith in the same way I was.

I think it’s important to study the family tree for perspective.  I started reading in 1 Chronicles this morning. I have to confess, that I’m not super excited about this particular part of scripture. There are so many family lineages through out 1 & 2 Chronicles. I was reminded of the tremendous faith of Noah. It’s crazy how the heritage of faith from his son Shem made it’s way to Abraham. Check this out….

²⁴ So this is the family line descended from Shem: Arphaxad, Shelah, ²⁵ Eber, Peleg, Reu, ²⁶ Serug, Nahor, Terah, ²⁷ and Abram, later known as Abraham.

³⁴ Abraham was the father of Isaac. The sons of Isaac were Esau and Israel.  (1 Chronicles 1:24-27, 34 NLT)

As I read over the names in scripture, I realize that they each impacted the world with their lives for a short time.  Some left a huge impact, while others are barely mentioned. I don’t know when my life will end. I also don’t know the current or future impact of my life. I’ve been blessed to touch a lot of lives for the Lord over the years.  I’m blessed and thankful for those sweet memories.  I just can’t live there – I have to live today for the Lord. I want to remain faithful to the Lord for the rest of my days. He will use my life however He chooses. I would love for my family tree to have my decedents to follow the Lord and have tremendous impact on the world for Christ.

I came across this simple verse that spoke to me this morning. Check this out…

If we live, it’s to honor the Lord. And if we die, it’s to honor the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. (Romans 14:8 NLT)

I simply want to follow the Lord all the days of my life that are left. I want to be faithful in my journey. I want to flee sin and pursue the Fathers heart. I can’t control what my family tree looks like, but I can follow the Lord faithfully as an example to all those who come after me.

Pressing On!

Dwayne