LeCrae is an award-winning artist who is making an impact in the lives of young people around the world. Recently, I was watching him share his story and was reminded of the impact grandparents can have in the life of their grandchildren. He starts by saying this.
"I remember when I was 17 and a lady asked me, 'Are you saved?' I didn't have any idea what she meant. What is 'saved?' The best thing I could think through was maybe she means, 'Am I like my grandmother?'"
Soon his grandmother's prayers would be answered as LeCrae found Christ and his life was transformed. This is an example of the power of a grandparent’s legacy. The compound spiritual influence of a parent and grandparent in the life of a young person can be profound.
At the time of this writing, there are over 4.9 million children being raised by a grandparent in the United States. Grandparents need our support and prayers as they invest in their grandchildren.
Here are five questions you can ask to help grandparents navigate raising and influencing their grandchildren.
1. How can you leverage the spiritual influence you have as a grandparent in the life of your grandchild?
2. How can you be more intentional about being involved in your grandchild's spiritual milestones?
3. How can you serve in your grandchild's environment at church?
4. How can we connect our Children's Ministry to our Senior Adult Ministry in our church?
5. What tools and resources can I use to help disciple my grandchildren?
For faith to continue through the generations of a family, there must be a passing down of that faith. Parents' role is to pass down the faith to their children who will in turn pass it down to their children who will in turn pass it down to their children. And so faith can thrive from generation to generation. There is a great example of this found in Scripture.
"I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also." 2 Timothy 1:5
In this passage, we see faith was passed down through three generations. Lois the grandmother, Eunice the mother and Timothy the son. We must remember that we teach what we know, but we produce what we are. I can guarantee you something. Lois and Eunice lived their faith out. As Timothy saw his grandmother and mother living out their faith, he was compelled to also possess this faith and live His life in accordance with it.
This doesn't mean grandparents and parents must be perfect to be a conduit of faith. But it does mean that when we sin or our talk doesn't match our walk, then our kids and grandkids see us humbly admit our failure and ask God for forgiveness.
Be encouraged grandparents, even if you haven't been an example of sincere faith for your kids up to this point, you can start today. Get with God. Ask Him to forgive you and help you be a faith example your grandchildren can follow.
No matter what your "faith passing down" situation has been up to this point, God offers you forgiveness and a fresh start. He can use you to pass along a sincere faith starting today...right now. Just admit to Him your failures and watch as He infuses you with a fresh faith that can change not only your life, but your grandchildren’s lives as well.
This is an excerpt from my latest book - Legacy...leave your mark on this world.
