He was the classic self-made man, starting with nothing and then through hard work, a clear strategy, and an iron will to persevere and persist, he amassed a staggering portfolio of assets. Businesses, homes, planes, boats, wine collections, art, the company of the rich and famous and the powerful. Now in his last chapter, he desired to bring his adult children into his business, to share his vision, and to prepare them for the eventual leadership of his estate.

Each of the children were already successful in their own rights. They'd certainly benefited from the family's resources, but their achievements and their paths were their own. Some had worked for him along the way, but none had stayed. Most of the relationships toward their father was warm, but a bit distant. They tried not to get inside his business force field. One of the sons was estranged and angry. Kind words were not a part of his conversations with his dad.

Sadly, he said, "I'd give it all up...all of it...just to have my kids back." It was heartbreaking, an all-too-late realization.

The billionaire confessed in private that he had been absent as a father, and often harsh toward his children. At the time he thought he was toughening them up and shaping them to succeed as he had. But they already had everything they ever needed, they just didn't have a father. Now in the final chapters of his life, now that he wanted his children, wanted them to be a part of what he had given his life to, he couldn't have them.

True Legacy

Lesson? A true legacy is not about the things we accumulate and achieve. It is about the people we touch, serve and bless. These are the people whose testimonies are most important. In a commercial world of "things" where the score-keeping is about "stuff", we need to have our world-view reshaped to help us see that the true riches are relationships, people, loved ones, family. Often in our pursuit of success, people, including our families, can become the means we use to achieve our goals, rather than the ones we serve. If you give your life to "stuff" and use or neglect people, including your family, you will always be disappointed in the end. If you give your life to those you love, you will forever be rich.

The apostle Paul expressed this to a new band of Christ-followers in the commercial trade center, Thessalonica:

You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.
— I Thessalonians 2:10-12, 19-20 (New International Version)

Notice the three things Paul left behind as his legacy. The first is the example of his character — holy, righteous, and blameless. Second is the example of his relationships — caring, encouraging, comforting, and urging of others to live lives worthy of God. And third is the example of what made him happy — the thought of the joy and celebration he would have in the presence of God because of the worthy lives lived by those he loved who will stand with him before God.

What do you hope for? What brings you joy? What will you celebrate when you come into the presence of God? What will be your legacy?