God wants us to pass on the knowledge of God from generation to generation. by Kevin E. Jesmer 11-8-14
God wants us to pass on the knowledge of God from generation to generation. by Kevin E. Jesmer 11-8-14
Exodus 10:1-2, “Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his officials so that I may perform these signs of mine among them 2 that you may tell your children and grandchildren how I dealt harshly with the Egyptians and how I performed my signs among them, and that you may know that I am the Lord.” (NIV) 
The plagues were not only to humble the unrepentant Egyptians, they were also manifest to teach God’s people his power and the certainty of his righteous judgment. They were to make this lesson a part of their history by teaching it to their children, so that future generations might love, trust and obey the Lord.
We have a responsibility to pass on the faith to our kids and our grandkids. But we need to be patient with them. Teach them a lot when they are young and like little sponges they will hold onto the Gospel truths. But also be ready to back off when they are trying to find out who they are personally in the Lord and in this world. Here are some Bible verses about educating the next generation.
Deuteronomy 4:9, “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” (NIV)
Deuteronomy 11:18-19, “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” (NIV)
Proverbs 22:6, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” (NIV)
Ephesians 6:3-5, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” (NIV)
God is very concerned about his people passing on the faith to the next generation. We can do it in many ways.
First, live out the faith in front of our kids. The kids pick things up, even things that are ever so subtle. Sleeping in the basement, I can tell when one of my kids is walking across the floor like my wife does. Kids eventually pick up the food preferences of their parents. They mimic their mannerisms. They will even copy your love for the Word of God and spiritual things…God willing.
Second, pass on the faith through formal means. This means formal Bible study and family devotionals. It could also mean attendance to church and youth group…anywhere where the faith is taught. But be ready, in the teen years, when the kids no longer want to study formally. They are exercising their own power. It is then that you have to wait for those teachable moments.
Third, celebrate the true, original meanings of the nation’s holidays with the family. The holidays are wonderful times to talk about different aspects of the Gospel. Talk about the meaning of Christmas and Easter and Thanksgiving. Celebrate the holidays. They are given to us to reinforce many things, including Christian education.
Fourth, trust God with the kids. We can try our best. But so often our best is not good enough. That is OK, because God’s power is more than enough to compensate for any weakness we may have. Jesus led me to himself, even though I did not come from a very spiritual background.
Fifth. Give what you can. It doesn’t take much to influence a child. I grew up where my mom took us to church every two weeks. I was baptized as a baby and went through confirmation. But we never had a living faith. Outside of church we lived as if God didn’t exist. But that was enough. When my heart was awakened to the idea of faith, I knew where to turn to…to Jesus and the Bible. My parents were surprised when I gave my life to Jesus at 22 years ago. I said, “Why are you surprised? You baptized and confirmed me and took me to church. Why be surprised when I gave my life to Jesus Christ?” Even if they never intended me to meet Jesus personally, their efforts bore fruit. It never took a colossal effort.
Sixth, share your own personal testimony about God’s grace and his deliverance. Parents can tell their kids how they were before meeting Jesus and how Jesus saved them and blessed their family. It will make Jesus very real to the kids. The testimonies will become part of the family history. For example I even heard how my g-g-grandfather, Joseph A. Jesmer housed the first Catholic congregation in his farm house and then donated a piece of his land so that a church may be built. This was in the 1870’s! Acts of faith are told again and again. They will be passed it onto the grandchildren. Your conversion story may even inspire your g-g-grandchild.
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