The matter of leaving an inheritance is something many parents will desire to do for their children. Inheritance is commonly thought of as assets including money, property, jewelry and perhaps companies. The most recommended way to leave an inheritance is by leaving a will that clearly states what is being shared and how it should be shared. The executor of the will is responsible for making sure all assets in the will are accounted for and transferred to the correct person. 
There are many stories in this part of the world, full of drama and strife, more dramatic than your Nollywood movie. This ranges from family members contesting the will to disagreement of how the inheritance is shared. The size of the family does not seem to matter as we hear of nuclear families who tear themselves apart, while some polygamous homes are able to execute the will with no issues. The disagreements some families face after the passing of a parent is many times shocking and leaves people in disbelief over the embarrassing state of affairs – all over material possessions.
When it comes to the matter of leaving an inheritance it might be worth asking the question “what really is an inheritance”? Is an inheritance only assets and material goods? What about the part of the inheritance that is not quantifiable by the number of zeros or the number of plots.
True inheritance should include a family’s values, the life lessons parents have shared, adult children who are able to stand on their own two feet, a family who is truly god-fearing and love each other. If there is money and assets but strife and discord threatens the very fibre of the family, that is not a successful inheritance. A measure of success should be one where there is harmony, good reputation, godly character, peace and love among the children and family after a parent dies. As the yorubas would say “Let the end of the person who died be good”
Some parents who fear strife after they go are inclined to share their assets before they pass on. If this decision is born out of fear of discord, then the seeds of values and character were not sown during the life of the parent.
The bible does say it is good for a parent to leave an inheritance for their children, but it does not say it is only an inheritance of property and cash. Abraham left an inheritance for Issac, which included having a relationship with God as well as advise on where to get a wife from. Issac himself went on to have an intimate relationship with God, married a good wife and led a successful life.
On the other hand we know that Eli knew God intimately and served the Lord, however all his sons were found wanting in the eyes of God. God judged Eli for the bad behaviour of his sons. Likewise when there is strife and discord in the family after the parents have passed on usually people will ask what happened? Where did the parents go wrong? How did the parents raise the children?
Parents must remember that the matter of leaving an inheritance is not only of wealth, more importantly is an inheritance that includes a legacy of family values, godly character, good deeds, spirit of hard work, love and morals. The family and generations to come is more blessed with an inheritance of wealth and values than merely material goods.
Inheritance can be defined as something from the past that is still important or valuable. So let us think about inheritance as being about all things of value and not just limited to the assets that one leaves behind.
photo source: appliedunificationism
