How do you Influence Your Grandchildren Spiritually

When you get discouraged after listening to the daily events on the newscast, what is your response? Do you get discouraged, complain, or worry how it might affect your family?

We are living in challenging times, shaken by the unrest in the world. As we listen to the news it seems like our world is sinking further into moral and spiritual depravity. We fear for the future of our grandchildren, absolutes are not recognized and authority questioned. God is being pushed to the perimeter of our culture at the time when we really need Him.

We influence our grandchildren whether purposely or unknowingly. God’s Word tells us we are to influence others toward God and His purposes, especially our own children and grandchildren. We have a wonderful opportunity to share how God has brought us though the challenges and difficulties in our lives when we trusted Him. Even though our journey in life may have been difficult at times, God walked with us. We read in Psalm 25:4-6, “One generation will commend your works to another, they will tell of your mighty acts. They will speak of the glorious splendor of your majesty . . .They will tell of the power of your awesome works and I will proclaim your great deeds.”

God has given us two avenues that we can use in order to maximize our influence for His glory.

Here are the two ways to influence your grandchildren:

1. Prayer – God has given us the avenue of prayer as the best weapon against the evil in our world today. Nothing threatens the enemy more than grandparents praying intentionally and regularly for their grandchildren, especially when we are praying God’s Word.

2. Example –God has given us His example of how to live a godly life in His Word, which should be how we live our lives, as grandparents. On the way to a restaurant the other day, my granddaughter said, “Tell them I am only eleven years old even though I am twelve years old now, then I can eat for the children’s price”. It was a good time to be a good example and not lie about her age. “In everything set them an example by doing what is good.” Titus 2:7

What is your attitude toward the moral and spiritual depravity of our nation, one of acceptance, indicating there is nothing we can do about it? It is just the sign of the times, or on the other hand, is your attitude one of concern, praying, and trusting the Lord to walk with us during these difficult times? Are you praying that truth will stand and the deceit exposed?

The power of God is the only thing big enough in the world to help us rise above the economic, hostile conditions of our world and the difficult things we face in life. Paul writes in Ephesians 6:10, 11, “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” When we invest in our spiritual lives by being in the Word and growing strong in our walk with the Lord, we will have a positive, spiritual influence on our grandchildren.

Are the grandchildren God has placed in your life a priority in your prayers? Do your family members see authenticity in your life and your relationship with God? Will your grandchildren say, “Grandpa and grandma really do believe who God is, I want to follow their example in my life.”

Here’s a prayer you can pray for your grandchildren: “Dear Lord, thank you for my grandchildren. Help me to value them in the same way you value them. Help me to be a loving grandparent who seeks to understand my grandchildren. Work through me so they will see Jesus in me. In Jesus name.

By Lillian Penner