It is fascinating to read the ‘Wills’ column in the newspapers and see who has left part of their wealth to charitable causes. These people have obviously thought seriously about supporting organisations that they were interested in during their lives. Unfortunately, not many people get around to doing this. Indeed, too many people die without making a will at all. Others make a will and think it cannot be changed.

From April, the government is making it very appealing to give 10% of our estate to charitable causes. That’s a ‘tithe’ – who first came up with that?!

We know that money is something we can use as a resource for ourselves and the good of others during our lifetime, but what about the money we leave when we die? How can that be put to work for the good of our families and the benefit of Christ’s kingdom?

Writing a will is one way in which you can look after loved ones and invest in the Lord's work after your death. It can provide peace of mind for you and your family. What are the benefits?

• Your family is cared for.
• There are no misunderstandings in the handling of your estate.
• Your final requests are honoured and executed.

However, while many of us agree that making a will is important, we tend to put it off for a variety of reasons: it feels too complicated; it might be expensive; it can feel morbid, or we "Please keep it clean!" ume that everything will pass automatically to our spouse and/or our children. We might think it is only the wealthy who need a will, but you might be surprised at the value of the things that you leave behind.

One way to help others is to leave a legacy. This can provide a way to give back to the Lord something for mission and evangelism. It is like a friend leaving a final gift to a friend – a legacy ensures that your money works for the benefit of others long after you have gone. It’s a way of continuing God’s work in the areas that are closest to your heart. Legacies are rare and special gifts, from one generation to the next. They: