Pierre Samuel du Pont de Nemours 

Does anyone know what these 4 men have in common?

Arthur Guinness, Amschel Mayer Rothschild, & Pierre Samuel du Pont de Nemoursare, & Peter Waldo, were each the beginning of family dynasties lasting multiple generations. Though neither of these four are alive today, their legacies live on (a fascinating study) and continue to impact the world we live in (Dupont Family, Waldensians, N M Rothschild & Sons, etc). Through their investment of time into the generations that would follow, they had a vision & work that did not cease at death.

The Scriptures say in Proverbs 29:18 that, “Where there is no vision, the people perish…” What vision should a father pass onto his children? What does God’s Word have to say?

We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children: That they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments (Ps. 78: 4,6-7).

From this passage, we can gather three things a father ought to pass down to his children:

1. The Praises of the Lord

Through what significant events has your family been lead to praise the Lord? Have these been recorded? Are the current doings of the family resulting in praise? Or are they leading to pride, family division, rebellion, pain, etc?

2. The Strength of the Lord

How has the strength of the Lord been manifested in your family? What works should the family be involved with that will result in the glorification of God’s power before the world?

3. The Wonderful Works he has done

God is at work in each family. How is what we are currently doing as a family drawing others to Christ & bringing God glory?

The three men on the left passed down financial success and a vision to maintain vast wealth through dedication and wise decision making processes (It worked! Though most of what these men started will have no eternal significance). Peter Waldo (far right picture) marked the beginning of a multi-century Christian family that remained unscathed from the world. The impact of this family continues even today and will bring great reward in heaven.

We have a responsibility to give the next generation, as Ps. 78:7 aptly states, “hope in God” and that they would, “not forget the works of God.”

“We live in the present but must have a proper understanding of the past and future.”

“Our responsibility to the future lies in the present. “

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom (Ps. 90:12).

This entry was posted on Friday, September 26th, 2008 at 5:48 pm and is filed under Family News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.