Kathy with her parents, Christmas 1961
We are only one generation away from godlessness. Christians today must fight the battle for the souls and eternal destinies of our children and grandchildren.
Sound a bit dramatic? Just take a look around. The wind has shifted. God has been removed from our schools and our politics. The only religion that has no rights is Christianity.
We’re told we can believe whatever we want, but we have to keep it to ourselves. Do you know what happens if we succumb to that pressure? History has already shown us.
After that generation died, another generation grew up who did not acknowledge the Lord or remember the mighty things he had done for Israel. Judges 2:10, NLT
Only one generation after God miraculously brought the Israelites into the Promised Land, His people had forgotten Him. The children and grandchildren of those who experienced God’s power and provision first-hand did not follow Him.
Why not? Their parents and grandparents stopped telling the stories. They failed to share God’s Word.
We can make the difference between a generation who does not know the Lord and one that embraces Christ. God gave us the plan for passing down a legacy of faith. All we have to do is follow it.
Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Deut 6:4-9, NLT
- Start with ourselves – We must first internalize the faith we long to share. Only when we fully commit ourselves to God and submit our will to His can we pass it down. A legacy of faith must flow from an individual who loves the Lord with all their heart, soul, and strength.
- Accept the responsibility – God made us stewards of these young lives. Too often we Christians want to completely pass this God-given task to the church. We must be the primary faith teachers.
- Teach the Word – Be purposeful in teaching the Bible to your children and grandchildren. Use formal teaching times, but also take advantage of every opportunity throughout the day to share a nugget of God’s truth.
- Share your personal journey – Talk about your personal faith journey. Show your children that your faith is real and active. Share your successes and your struggles.
- Tell the “remember when” stories – Tell them what God has done in your family, church, and community. Don’t let these experiences die with you! Let your family know how God has been an active presence in your life.
There is something precious about faith handed down from generation to generation. Like a cherished family heirloom, it will not be easily tossed aside. Let’s accept the responsibility God has given us and claim the next generation for Christ.
What do you do in your family to purposefully pass along your faith?
You hit the nail on the head. Funny because I’ve been thinking about this very thing. Yesterday I had a teacher tell me “kids used to be ornery but today they are just mean!” That made me sad and got me to thinking about this exact subject. With each generation we lose ground. But I know God will raise up a generation! Or at least that is my prayer. Thanks for the post.
Thanks for coming by! Yes, it is our responsibility to pray and faithfully share God’s truth with those who come behind us. Unfortunately, we have no one to blame for the problems of the next generation but ourselves!