He was trying to point out that whatever we hold absolute in our lives can't be hidden from our children, or even their children's children. If it's pleasures and riches and power, it will be seen in how we spent our time and talent and our money to attain them. If it's God, it will be seen in how we spent our most precious resources to glorify and honor Him.

Paul's reminder of how my children are watching my every move serves as a wake-up call. It causes me to pause and consider what I am teaching and passing on to my children and others.

I know the legacy I hope to leave as a pastor. Yet to leave such a legacy I must keep my focus on God. I mustn't give in to the idea that I can, on my own, stay away from the apple tree. I must keep before me the fact that my mind and heart, like it or not, are inclined to secure this body of mine in the pleasures and power of the world around me.

If I can just shoot for staying focused on God, that might be the best legacy of all to leave to my children, and their children's children.

This Sunday we will look at a legacy that promises to breed hope and security into every circumstance. It's called the Gift of Membership — made possible in Jesus Christ.

This is not a membership in a particular church necessarily, but membership in His holy church. It is absolute, unfailing, and will not fade according to St. Peter.

I pray, no, I beg you to come this Sunday (Feb. 7) and again on Feb. 21 as I share my testimony. I beg you because God is calling us to consider what we are passing on to our children and our children/s children.

As I mentioned in last week's letter (that also contained my Pastor's Report for 2009), now is the time for you and me to fight the fight of faith. Come, let me tell you how we can do that.