What Will We Leave to Our Children’s Children?

Psalm 103:17

I am quickly adding some years to my life, and with those years comes the overwhelming thought of not what I can gain or build but what will I leave behind?

With all of the grandparents in the room today, I know that rings true for you as well. We have lived a life. We have raised children, and now we have grandchildren—and some even great-grandchildren. We must realize that we must finish strong and leave a legacy of not only financial assets, but most importantly, spiritual foundations.

So, we have to ask the question: What will we leave to our children and their children?

In this chapter, David is writing a song of thanksgiving for God’s mercy, forgiveness, and love toward him. The song is very personal. He begins with personal praise: Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name.He talks about forgiveness personally.

Let me say today: you cannot, and will not, leave your children or grandchildren anything spiritual or godly if you don’t have a personal relationship with God. If it’s not in you, how will you leave it to them?

David then reflects on God’s mercy—how He removes our sins as far as the east is from the west. I believe David was an older man at this point. I see him reliving his life, rehearsing his past, going down memory lane, and saying, I have so much to bless the Lord for—especially because of His mercy, forgiveness, and compassion on me, knowing how foolish and frail I have been.

It’s almost as if David realizes that he doesn’t just want his legacy to be about his mistakes, but about the mercy of God. He doesn’t just want his legacy to be about his sin, but about God’s solution. He doesn’t want his legacy to be about his fault, but about the faithfulness of God.

And he passes this truth down—not only to his family but to us today. If you need forgiveness and grace and mercy, it’s available. It lasts from everlasting to everlasting. His righteousness is upon our children’s children.

So let’s ask ourselves:

Are we going to leave that kind of witness to our families?
What will be said of us?
Will it only be our failures, or will we tell them about the mercy of Almighty God?

Point 1: God’s Blessings Are Generational

When David uses the words in verse 8—The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy—he is echoing the words God spoke to Moses.

Exodus 20:6 – God shows mercy unto thousands of them that love Him and keep His commandments.
Deuteronomy 7:9 – He keeps covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations.

Our faithfulness to God in 2025 is not time wasted. It will be noticed and passed down to our children’s children.

Think of Enoch, who walked so closely with God that he was taken without seeing death. His great-grandson Noah was also a righteous man, who obeyed God and preserved humanity through the ark. Faithfulness is noticed and carried from generation to generation.

Point 2: God’s Word Endures in Families

Isaiah 59:21 tells us that God’s word endures in His people and their children. Paul also reminded Timothy of the faith that first dwelt in his grandmother Lois, then in his mother Eunice, and was now in him (2 Timothy 1:5).

That is exactly what the gospel is meant to do—it’s passed down, taught, learned, mimicked, received, and it becomes part of the family fabric. Families have routines, rituals, and recipes that make them unique—but may we also have a legacy of worshiping, praying, and serving together.

And if you don’t have that background, you can be the first one in your family to begin it. Start a history of faith for your family.

Point 3: A Godly Legacy Becomes a Spiritual Inheritance

Proverbs 13:22 says: A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children.

I hope we can leave something for our grandchildren—but more importantly, I hope the life we live becomes a legacy we leave behind. Not for our own satisfaction, but so they might know God.

Think of Abraham. God’s covenant to bless him was passed down to Isaac, then to Jacob, and still stands today. Our godly living today becomes the foundation for generations to come.

We’re not saved because our parents were saved, but many of us were influenced by parents or grandparents who prayed, took us to church, and taught us God’s Word. Their faith became a legacy that helped lead us to Christ.

Two More Areas That Influence Generations

Our Giving – We make a difference in the next generation by our generosity. Proverbs 13:22 and 2 Corinthians 9:6 remind us that what we sow will bless others. Our children and grandchildren may one day reap blessings from the seeds of generosity we plant today.
Our Sin – Sadly, sin also passes down. Exodus 20:5 warns of iniquity visited upon the children. Lamentations 5:7 speaks of children bearing the consequences of their fathers’ sins.

Conclusion

So let me ask you: What is your desire for your children and grandchildren? Are you living today for how you hope they live tomorrow?

What will we leave to our children’s children?