One of the saddest verses in the Old Testament is Judges 2:10 - “After them, another generation rose up who did not know the Lord or the works He had done for Israel.” HOW could that happen? That previous generation, as faithful as they were in most things, did not prove faithful in remembering and reciting all that the Lord had done for them. Our children and grandchildren learn what they live. But alas, today we have idolized family gatherings, sports, and personal pleasure rather than teaching our kids to know God intimately, fear Him reverently, serve Him faithfully and love Him more than anything or anyone else. You cannot teach what you do not know, and you certainly cannot model what you do not DO. So, will your kids and grandkids remember you one day as a person of great faith? Will they recall stories of your obedience to God? Will they love the Lord Jesus because of how they saw YOU live out your faith? Will they value His Bride, the Church, because you do? As our culture moves further away from God, we must be faithful in raising up a generation that knows God, trusts God, loves God, and obeys God.
It is never too late to start. Let this be the day that you begin to teach and model this simple truth from the lips of the Lord Jesus: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind.” (Matthew 22:37) Begin to seek first His kingdom and righteousness and He will meet your every need. Let your lifestyle and words point your kids to the only One Who can give abundant eternal life!
Write the steps you will take to leave a legacy of faith and obedience for your kids and grandkids. Read those steps every day and be accountable to God as you strive to teach and model the Gospel to new generations.
