Generational Faith, It has to be a Priority

"To all generations I will make known Your faithfulness with my mouth"  Psalm 89.1

Who is responsible for the next generation?  Will the church and parents leave it to the media, sports figures, the Internet, and gaming developers to mold the spirit and character of the next generation?  Our society has put such a high value on so many things.  We make sure our kids participate in sports, school activities, etc. sometimes a huge time and financial commitment is necissary for participation.  How much time are we putting into their faith?  It has to be deeper than a little prayer at bed time.  It is not enough for our kids to go to church once or twice a week.  We need to daily mold them through our relationships, the Word of God, modeling Jesus Christ to them, how we talk to them, seeing the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives at home, and on a consistent basis.  I want to leave a legacy from my life.  I don't care if it is a big church, big ministry, money, or status, that I may atain.  My legacy of my life will be seen in the spirit, faith, and character of Abby, Gabe, and Levi.  What Christ does through me in the Kingdom of God is important, but my first ministry is to "disciple my family."  Before I can be a leader at BCC, in the A/G, or in the Kingdom, I must be a spiritual leader to my family. We must speak of God's faithfulness to the next generation.   They are ready to receive from us.  I thank the Lord when I see parents who grasp this and live it out. We need God's help and wisdom as we parent and disciple our children for Jesus!

Comments

[erin brown]

the picture of you "cuddling" the bag of coffee(?) is a bit disturbing... :) i'll have to send my parents back with a bag of our favorite new mexican coffee for you. they roast in with pinon nuts. it's so good!

[tami evans]

Good preaching Brother Nate! I am so amazed when I look back at our family's generational faith! The strongest memory I have is of my grandparents generational faith. EVERY NIGHT no matter how busy their day was they put everything down and read their Bible verses together! That is such a strong memory for me! This is the faith that has kept me going during the deepest valleys of my life. I now own their Bible which they numbered and they read through it 7 times together! That speaks volumes to Troy and I and the message and memories that we should be sending!

[Paul]

Nate,

Your post dovetails perfectly with my pastor's sermon this past Sunday in the Life is a Highway series: "Watch for Children"

http://media.libsyn.com/media/firstnlrvideo/2008_05_04_DVD_iPod.mp4