Faith September 6, 2015 By
Few things, if any, are more joyful than spending time with your grandchildren. It’s not just about giving them everything they want, though I’m not saying I don’t do that on occasion. However, it is more about spending time with them.
I am very fortunate to live close to my two grandsons, and it’s a tradition to have dinner with them every Friday night and have them sleep over every other Friday night. At first, I was concerned about what I could do for dinner to make it fun. Then, I worried about what we could do after dinner for entertainment before they went to bed. I soon found out that it wasn’t about where we went for dinner or even what we had to eat—they actually wanted to eat at my house and didn’t care if it was a grilled cheese or peanut butter sandwich. The fun thing was getting to break the rules when it came time for bed. I am sure their parents pay for it when they go home, but there must be a few privileges when the grandchildren stay at Nan and Papaw’s house.
As grandparents, we have so much to pass on to our grandchildren. I am not just talking about earthly treasures. I am talking about faith and spending eternity with God. We as grandparents should be one of the greatest influences in their lives.
Paul says in II Timothy 1:5, “When I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.” I believe this teaches us that Timothy’s faith goes back to his mother and grandmother.
Grandparents have a responsibility to their grandchildren to pass on a spiritual heritage. It states in Deuteronomy 4:9, “Only take heed to yourself, and diligently keep yourself, lest you forget the things our eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. And teach them to your children and grandchildren.”
One day, when we were having lunch at a local restaurant, the owner dropped by the table to tell me a story about his encounter with a stingray. That night, when the 7-year-old said his prayers, he prayed for that man and continued to do so for several days. His mother and I had no idea he was even listening. And, in the congregation where I worship, oftentimes young children help lead singing even before they are old enough to read. I must say I had tears in my eyes the first time my grandchildren led us in song. I saw their desire to have a relationship with God.
Children are always watching and always listening. We must influence them in some way. Let us make sure what they see and what they hear helps them in their service to the Lord.
Solomon in his great wisdom tells us, “The silver-haired head is a crown of glory. If it is found in the way of righteousness.” (Proverbs 16:31) “Children’s children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their father.” (Proverbs 17:6)
