Jonathan Edwards Powerful Example of Leaving a Godly Legacy Leaving a godly legacy for your children should be the goal of all Christian parenting. Although the faith and godliness of your children is ultimately the work of the Holy Spirit, God often uses the influence of parents to make a great impact on their children. A great example of this is Jonathan Edwards, the Puritan Preacher from the 1700s. Jonathan and his wife Sarah left a great godly legacy for his 11 children. At the turn of the 20th century, American educator and pastor A.E. Winship decided to trace out the descendants of Jonathan Edwards almost 150 years after his death. His findings are astounding, especially when compared to a man known as Max Jukes. Jukes’ legacy came to the forefront when the family trees of 42 different men in the New York prison system traced back to him. Jonathan Edwards’ godly legacy includes: 1 U.S. Vice-President, 3 U.S. Senators, 3 governors, 3 mayors, 13 college presidents, 30 judges, 65 professors, 80 public office holders, 100 lawyers and 100 missionaries. Max Jukes’ descendants included: 7 murderers, 60 thieves, 50 women of debauchery, 130 other convicts. 310 paupers (with over 2,300 years lived in poorhouses) 400 who were physically wrecked by indulgent living. It was estimated that Max Juke’s descendants cost the state more than $1,250,000. This is a powerful example showing how a parent’s leadership can have a profound effect on their children.I want to encourage every parent and grandparent in the vigorous pursuitof a godly life today. Jonathan and Sarah Edwards were godly parents, who set the course of their lives to honor Christ and gave careful attention to raising their children. The influence of a godly mother and a godly father has massive potential for good over generations. God has placed you at the center of a circle of influence in your family...
Posted on: Fri, 04 Oct 2013 06:10:31 +0000
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