Generational Faith

As for man, his days are like grass; As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.  For the wind passes over it, and it is gone, And its place remembers it no more.   But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting On those who fear Him, And His righteousness to children's children.

Psalm 103:15-17

 I [Paul] have been 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

This week I have been reminded of the most important call in my life, to pass on my faith to my children, so it might be passed on to my children's children. This remembrance has come because of the passing of a Grandfather. Tiffany's grandpa, Clinton, passed yesterday morning. I am always amazed at the realness of life when one is found so close to death. For some this realness causes fear and trembling, as one look's back upon their life they might be filled with remorse and regret. Yet, this was not even remotely the case for Tiffany's grandpa. A godly man he was and a godly legacy he left. Over the past few days family and friends filled his hospital room sharing great memories and stories. Just yesterday morning a gentleman that attends our church stopped in my office and shared of how Clinton picked him up when he was a young married so he might be able to attend a bible study.Years of life, years of love and years of ministry. This life has left his children and grandchildren holding the faith he so faithfully passed on. Tiffany is one of the many testimonies of her grandpa's faithfulness. Her love for the Lord and her family has been passed on to her by her grandpa and dad.

As a father of four (two of whom I have never met...but am anxiously awaiting), there is no better example to look to. How can I pass my faith on to my children? I am privileged to look at Clinton as such a man. Clinton demonstrated his faith in both word and deed. The demonstration of his faith allowed children, grandchildren and great grandchildren to see the tangibility of being a Christ follower. Whether it was caring for sick children and grandchildren, serving at rescue missions, advocating for those less fortunate, or just doing want parents and grandparents do; Clinton's faith was seen. Likewise, Clinton had the ability to advise children and grandchildren. His advise was driven by his love of the Lord. This is the example I have to look to as I strive to pass on my faith to my children's children. Sometimes parenting can be so narrowly focused addressing the actions rather than the issues. I am reminded from Scripture and through Clinton's great example, parenting has the ability to influence multiple generations. May I be reminded of the great ministry and privilege God has entrusted to me as a parent. Understanding the biblical perspective of generational faith, influence my children and children's children. I am grateful for such a great God who allows Himself to be seen through His people and am blessed to have witness such faith.