While Randy believes that it is quite possible that God allows believers in Heaven to see us at least sometimes, and for sure they have a front-row seat to what God is doing on Earth, it is helpful to remember that Scripture’s focus is on how God sees our lives, and ultimately, we want to please Him. 

I understand Scripture to teach that leaving instructions for what others are to do with our assets after we die does not equate with what we do with them while we’re alive. Hebrews 9:27 (NLT) says, “each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment.”  

In a Q&A about giving and The Treasure Principle at The People’s Church in Cincinnati, Randy answers the question: How should we think about family, resources, and providing for the next generation?

Without a vision for giving as investing in eternity—and a sense that God’s purpose for prospering us is so we can help the church, aid the poor, and reach the lost—inheriting wealth could be a curse rather than a blessing.

Perhaps you could consider leaving a set amount to your church that you feel good about, then direct the remaining funds to other ministries that God has placed on your heart.

I am planning my will, and am wondering if it is appropriate to bequeath a portion of my estate to my faithful pastors? My children are not believers so I am leaving little to them (with an explanation), and the bulk of the estate will go to our church and its missions ministries.

Randy Alcorn quotes Matthew 25:34 and stresses that our inheritance is not an afterthought, but is the plan from eternity past. This video clip was excerpted from Randy's Eternity 101 DVD class.

Fatherhood's an incredible privilege, one we should thank God for every day, but which too easily we grow accustomed to and take for granted and, if we're not careful, occasionally resent. (For instance, after weeks without having a good sleep.)