"For the Future" June 27 Readings: 2 Chronicles 11-12, Acts 3, Psalm 78:5–11, Proverbs 16:5–6

Today's Readings - 2 Chronicles 11-12, Acts 3, Psalm 78:5–11, Proverbs 16:5–6

Devotional - For the Future

There is an old saw that says, "The Church is always one generation from extinction." The thing is, this one is true. Christianity must not only be passed from person to person but from generation to generation. The children God gives to the families of the church must be raised to be warriors in the Kingdom of God, servants of the Most High and those who treasure eternal things over the temporal.

In Psalm 78:5-7, the Psalmist discusses the importance of raising children to serve God.

5 He established a testimony in Jacob

and set up a law in Israel,

which he commanded our fathers

to teach to their children

6 so that a future generation—

children yet to be born—might know.

They were to rise and tell their children

7 so that they might put their confidence in God

and not forget God’s works,

but keep his commands.

As I grow older my life becomes less about what I will do or what I will be and more about what my children and grandchildren will become. I have no idea what the future will hold for any of them, but my prayer for them is the desire of the Psalmist's heart - that they might not "forget the works of God but keep his commandments."

There is no formula that magically produces children who love God, but neither is there a great mystery about the strategy. There are three things I would remind parents and grandparents who wish to influence future generations.

First, children will tend to mimic our behavior more than simply listening to our words. We must not only speak the words of God to our children but in our imperfect way, we must walk the ways of God. The hypocrite who talks the faith but does not live it does irreparable damages to the future generations. Our model gives credibility to our message.

Second, we must relentlessly ground our children's lives in the Word of God. Biblical illiteracy is a huge problem even among kids raised in so-called "Bible-believing" churches. If we really believe the Bible we will make sure we teach it clearly to our kids.

Finally, we must fill our children with a sense that their lives are meant to have eternal import. They are not just here on earth to get an education, find a job, raise a family and have a happy life. They are here to serve Christ, to make Jesus known everywhere and to exalt him day by day.

Father, may the generations to come know you. May they not forget the good things you have done, but may they walk in your ways. Help me to be an influence on them for your kingdom. 

Think and Pray

Which of the readings spoke most powerfully to you today?
Is the Spirit of God moving you to repent of something you are doing, to begin something new, or to change something about your life as a result of your readings? What?

Children can be difficult, frustrating, and even heartbreaking, but we must remember that our investment in the future is never wasted.
Are you working to pass on the faith to your children and to the future generations of the church?