Recently I have been meditating more on the thought of what I want to leave with my wife and kids as an indelible mark should something happen to me, and they carry on with life. I think every father wants to their words to be remembered, but ultimately we need to marry our thoughts and instructions with our actions and example in daily life. I love teaching on what is learned about the endless grace of God to my family because I am passionate to see them walk in a greater revelation of grace. To not only live forgiven and free of crippling condemnation, but empowered by that same grace to say 'No' to sin and selfishness. More and more it seems to me its the most important life lesson and application to fully grasp what it means to 'work out your salvation with fear and trembling.' A weak understanding of God's grace, which either makes it cheap (not applying it to say no to sin), or destructive judgmental attitudes towards yourself or others that arise from a lack of applying undeserved favor. I don't report myself as an expert in the understanding or example living of a grace recipient, I just know there is more to come and is at the center of redemption for us all. God gives us all light to walk in, and who wouldn't want those we love to have that same light to walk out their own adventure and story. I do want my kids to remember my words, what I taught, but also remember the times of transformation and a man who could be imitated for his faith. A faith that is imitable is a useful faith, as others come along for the fruitful journey.
