Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted… Luke 12:33

John Chrysostom, an important Early Church Father and influential preacher, wrote, “If you want to make your child rich, teach him this: He is truly rich who does not desire great possessions…teach him to think lightly of this life’s passing glories…to love true wisdom.”

We live in a world propelled by greed. The Christmas season certainly exposed  the level of greed in our society and our own role, perhaps, in propagating it in our families. From Wall Street to Occupy Wall Street greed fuels the engine driving them. The seagulls in the animated movie, Finding Nemo, typify the modern consumer: “Mine, mine, mine!” So, what’s a grandparent to do?

Frankly, as great a concern as it is, I must confess a sense of inadequacy in addressing the issue with my grandchildren. Perhaps you have more profound wisdom and suggestions to share than I do. I would welcome your ideas. I do know this much—unless I am intentional about how my own detachment from worldly riches, I will have little impact helping my grandchildren develop a detachment from riches and discover the true riches of life God has for them. How shall I help them learn the treasure of wisdom over fame and worldly riches? How can I guide them to understand that character, not cleverness, is of infinitely greater value—that self-sacrifice, not greed and power, secure the blessings of God?

Sometimes the little things that we do may produce the greatest impact. This Christmas we gave each of our grandkids ten dollars (they also got other gifts) and asked them to spend the ten dollars, not on themselves, but to buy something special for residents of a local assisted living center. Heading off to Walmart for the after Christmas sales each grandchild picked out the gifts they wanted to give—blankets, socks, candy, fluffy pillows, etc. Adults and kids went together to distribute the gifts and a plate full of Christmas goodies to a dozen elderly residents. We spread out among the residents to sit down and visit with them for about an hour. We met some who had no living relatives. We were their only personal holiday visitors.

When it was all over, we talked about what happened. Every one had a story to tell and expressed how much it meant to them to do this. Even our most non-social grandson commented how much he enjoyed the time. Most said they would like to do it again soon.

What impact will it have in the long run? I don’t know, but it confirmed to me how important this kind of intentionality is on a regular basis, not just Christmas. Our goal is to remain alert to any and all opportunities we can engage along the way with our grandchildren, whether when they are with us or long-distance. It won’t happen if we aren’t looking for it.

Self-sacrifice, godly character, wisdom, caring for the least of these—these are the riches I want my grandchildren to accumulate in life and in heaven. This is a legacy worth fighting for.

GRANDPAUSE: The greatest blessing and legacy we can leave to our children is not found in bank accounts or land or houses, but in our example of self-sacrifice, endurance, character, and hope. –Mark Hamby