II Timothy 2:2 “And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”   Paul’s instruction and admonition to Timothy is as applicable today as it was the day he wrote it.  We hear about succession in the workplace and corporate world every day.  We see those who have made it a priority and the continued success of the organization or business, such as GE, Microsoft and Marriott.  We have also witnessed those who paid little attention to it only to see the business fail due to a lack of leadership succession.  Churches have experienced this same real life practice, both good and bad.  The end result in any situation is whether or not effective leadership succession has been a priority and practice.

Today, we see more families fail than businesses or organizations combined because the family leader has paid little attention to succession of the Christian walk in those he is commanded to lead.  This produces families, homes and marriages where the next generation does not follow the Christian life.  This lack of spiritual or godly succession goes right into our culture, businesses, communities, politics and churches.  Not only should a family leader pay attention to succession but he must give it top priority and commitment.  He must past on God’s Word to the next generation and it is not just a suggestion, but a command of Scripture.  Psalm 78: 5-6 “God established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children.”  Succession is not automatic and requires strong, unwavering leadership committed to the future of those whom he leads.  Don’t be a man who pays attention to succession in the workplace but neglects it in his own family.  Look at what God says about it in these verses.  We have an opportunity to make a difference by being obedient to His Word and command.