Should a Christian prepare a last will and testament?

Answer

A will is essentially the same thing as a testament. It is a written document that communicates the way a person wants to have their assets dispersed after death. Since a person can change their will as circumstances change, only the last (most recent) will/testament is in force. Sometimes a will/testament will disperse property directly to individuals, and sometimes the person may establish a trust (testamentary trust) that will set ongoing regulations for distributing the wealth. A testamentary trust may be established to limit the amount of money an heir can access within a certain time period. It may also establish certain qualifications for continued access to the inheritance. For instance, if an heir does not maintain employment, fails a drug test, or is convicted of a felony, they may lose access to the funds held in trust.

When King Hezekiah was ill, the prophet Isaiah told him, “Put your house in order, because you are going to die” «In those days was Hezekiah sick unto death. And Isaiah the prophet the son of Amoz came unto him, and said unto him, Thus saith the LORD, Set thine house in order: for thou shalt die, and not live. », (Isaiah 38:1). Obviously, it is wise to prepare for the event of one’s death. The Bible does not directly address whether a Christian should prepare a will since wills are a modern convention. In ancient times, inheritance laws were more rigid, and wealth was, by default, distributed by law. Christians today have a choice about what happens to their assets, and it would seem that good stewardship demands that they use that choice to make the most of their assets. In some cases, leaving large amounts of money or other assets to their children may not be a wise choice, so a testamentary trust might be the better choice. Christians also have the opportunity to make decisions about their assets based on their values and beliefs.

Opportunity to support ministries after their death is a significant consideration. There is no biblical principle mandating that parents must leave all their possessions to their children. In many instances, other individuals or ministries may be more in need or better equipped to utilize those resources. If an individual passes away intestate (without a will), their assets will be distributed according to state law, which typically does not include allocations to Christian ministries and often does not align with the values of the deceased Christian.

More critical than asset distribution is the appointment of guardians for minor children. The “nearest living relative,” or even a foster home or state facility, may not be the most suitable choice. A will can designate who will care for the children. It is essential for the Christian to ensure that the chosen guardian is also a believer who will continue to nurture the children in a Christian environment.

For a will to be legally binding, it must be correctly prepared and filed in accordance with state laws. Some states have stringent requirements, while others are more flexible. To ensure compliance, it is advisable to seek advice from an attorney and invest a modest amount, typically two or three hundred dollars, to confirm that the will satisfies all legal prerequisites. This ensures that the final wishes, reflecting Christian values, will be respected.