Putting your House in Order

Readings for today: 1 Chronicles 23-26

One of the great privileges of my job is to walk with families as their loved ones experience their final days. It’s usually a tender time as everyone gathers to say goodbye. It can be a complicated time as well especially if the person has not taken the time to get their affairs in order. Perhaps they never signed a DNR or prepared an advance directive. The result is the family remains in the dark as to their end of life wishes and it causes unnecessary suffering. Perhaps they never prepared a will or talked to their family about how to settle the estate after they die. The result is conflict as surviving family members fight one another for their share. I remember one man who put all the property in his name alone which caused his widow to fight through probate. I remember another man who took care of everything for his wife – including driving – leaving her completely at a loss when he passed. At the same time, I’ve seen what happens when someone does it well. They’ve prepared all the necessary documents. They’ve clearly communicated their wishes. They’ve held a series of family meetings to make sure there is no confusion. This turns out to be one of the greatest blessings someone can give as they take those final steps from this life into the next.

David understood how important it was to set his house in order. He is old. He is dying. His reign is coming to an end. He wants to do all he can to set his son up for success. So he gathers all the leaders of Israel. He organizes them according to their call. He clarifies their roles and responsibilities. The Levites are numbered and charged to work in the house of the Lord. The divisions of the priests are established according to their lineage, divided by lot, and established in their rotations. He then organizes the musicians and sets them apart for their service in worship. Finally, he identifies the gatekeepers, treasurers, and other officials. All in an effort to secure his succession and ensure a smooth transition.

What about you? Is your house in order? Are you prepared to pass on what the Lord has entrusted to you? Do you think about future generations of your family? Future generations of your church family? What kind of legacy are you leaving those who will come after you? Have you communicated your wishes? Signed the necessary paperwork? Done all you can to smooth the way for those who will come after you? These are critical conversations to have with those you love. They represent the essence of godly stewardship.

Readings for tomorrow: Psalms 131, 138-139, 143-145