Biblical Answer

Understanding the Question

The question of whether it is wrong to want to leave some money to one's family after being gone is a complex one. On one hand, it may seem like a natural desire to want to provide for one's loved ones, especially in the event of one's passing. However, this desire may also be rooted in a deeper issue, such as a fear of being abandoned or a desire for control over one's family.

Biblical Perspective

From a biblical perspective, the motivation for keeping lives free from the love of money and being content with what one has is rooted in God's promise to never leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). This promise is not just a guarantee of God's presence, but also a reminder that our security and provision come from Him, not from our possessions or wealth. In fact, Jesus taught that it is better to give up everything we have to follow Him, rather than to store up treasures on earth (Matthew 19:21). This doesn't mean that we should not provide for our families, but rather that our primary focus should be on our relationship with God, and our secondary focus should be on using our resources to serve and bless others, including our families.

Practical Application

In practical terms, it's not wrong to want to leave some money to one's family, but it's essential to examine our motivations and priorities. Rather than focusing solely on leaving a legacy, we should strive to live a life that reflects God's values and principles. This means being content with what we have, being generous with others, and using our resources to serve and bless those around us. Ultimately, our goal should be to leave a lasting impact on our families and communities, not just through material wealth, but through the way we live our lives and the relationships we build with others. As the Bible says, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth" (3 John 1:4). This is a far more lasting and meaningful legacy than any amount of money.