To My Loved Ones
1 Chron. 28:9

Introduction:
A. We all, as parents, desire that our children have a better 
   life than what we conceive that we had. To this end, we all 
   desire to leave to our posterity the best we can provide. I 
   believe that this is in line with Bible teaching. Yet, we 
   live in an age wherein more, physical and material things 
   are given to our children - both during our lifetime and as 
   an inheritance - than ever before in recorded history. Often,
   the estate of today's "middle-class" families rival or 
   surpass those of ancient kings.
B. The question is, after the child has received that which is 
   given, of what real or lasting value and/or benefit is it? 
   In years-to-come, what will be the effect of our gifts on 
   our children?
C. It is important to study this subject because we see so many
   people extending themselves for material things, not only 
   for their own use, but in order to be able to give "things" 
   to their children. We tend to think that the larger the in-
   heritance we leave, the greater the love we indicate for our
   children. But is this really true?

I. Things we give to our younger ones:
   A. Televisions and Computers
      1. Like guns or anything that has the potential for harm
         that we might give to our children, these by them-
         selves are harmless
      2. But they can become a problem
         a. Unsupervised use - children allowed to use without
            parents knowing or sometimes caring what the 
            children are doing 
         b. Separating family and social relationships
         c. Addicting to point of changing lives
   B. Automobile
      1. Social status symbol - all my friends have their own 
         car
      2. Cutting apron string - I can do what I want without 
         having to ask
      3. Forfeiting disciplinary control
   C. Labor saving devices
      1. Once again, in and of themselves, there is nothing 
         wrong with these at the right time and in the right 
         place
      2. But they tend to rob children of character by circum-
         venting the discipline that is necessary for true 
         craftsmanship

II.David's Bequest To Solomon
   A. We all would do well to study David's bequest to his son,
      Solomon.
      1. Surely, the Bible has contained this story for some 
         reason.
      2. We can profit by a study of it.
         a. Little is said about an inheritance of vast material
            wealth and power, although it was there.
         b. There is something of greater value than these 
            things.
   B. "Know the God of your father..."
      1. David could recommend God because He had been found 
         true and faithful
         a. Psa 119:154, 104, 40
         b. Psa 23
         c. Psa 16
   C. "...Serve Him with a loyal heart, and willing mind"
      1. David was aware of 1 Sam 15:22-23; Ex 20:11
      2. Psa 119:2-3

III.Proper Training
   A. David knew he could not live Solomon's life for him.
      1. He could not shelter and protect him forever, furnish
         him with all his needs.
      2. Solomon must grow up and learn to provide for himself.
   B. "...If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you
      forsake Him, He will cast you off forever."
      1. David understood man's weakness and God's strength
         a. Psa 73:1-28
         b. Psa 139:1-13
      2. David knew man is drawn to material things - 
         1 Kings 19:11-12

Conclusion:
A. Do we really give our children what we really know they 
   should have? Some parents focus on wealth (1 Tim 6:10, 17-19)
   high position of authority (note Bathsheba's request for 
   Solomon) or greater education, to the neglect of knowledge 
   of God or of true values.
B. What do I focus on for my children?
   1. 1 Tim 6:11-16 
   2. See Jer 9:23-24