How are you passing on the baton of truth to your family?

“I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice, now lives in you also” II Timothy 1:5.

With Mother’s Day coming soon, I am thinking of the example we have in II Timothy of Lois and Eunice. If Timothy’s grandmother Lois had not been faithful in passing on her faith to her daughter Eunice and grandson Timothy, we would not have the books I and II Timothy in the Bible today. Lois & Eunice are a great generational example of the importance of passing on the faith to future generations. Lois is our forerunner who modeled grandmothering for us. 

Isn’t it interesting that nowhere in the Bible does it says that the church has the primary responsibility to pass on our faith to the next generation? It clarifies that parents and grandparents are the primary conduits to instruct their children and grandchildren about God and his love for them. 

A concern for many grandparents is that their children are not passing on the values and faith they were taught. Therefore, grandparents have a crucial role to fill if faith is to be found on earth when Jesus comes back for his own. Demonstrating our love for the Lord and praying for our grandchildren are powerful ways to pass our faith to them. 

I think that Eunice had a lot of support from Lois in Timothy’s early years. Next week as we celebrate Mother’s Day, let’s pray for the mothers of our grandchildren. They have a great responsibility to parent our grandchildren in these troubled, unstable times today. I often think about the mothers of my grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They are busy with their church activities, the children’s activities, chauffeuring, and employment outside the home. You might send them a Mother’s Day card thanking them for all they do for your grandchildren. 

In today’s broken world, Satan’s purpose is to destroy the family. It is vital that we, as grandparents, pray God will give the mothers and fathers of our dear grandchildren wisdom, time management, and godly wisdom in their monumental task of guiding our grandchildren in the ways of the Lord. 

As grandparents, let’s ask God how he wants us to connect and nurture those precious grandchildren and model God’s love to them. Will they remember your monetary gifts or that you were their prayer warrior?

Prayer:

Lord, show me how you want me to pass the baton of truth to my grandchildren. Please give me the wisdom to know how to connect and relate to them. Please show me how to model a godly lifestyle in an ungodly culture. In Jesus’ name.

By Lillian Penner, Prayer Coordinator for Christian Grandparenting Network, lpenner@christiangrandparenting.net

PS: In the book Grandparenting with a Purpose, I suggest how Grandparents can connect with their grandchildren. (The book is available at www.grandparentingwithapurpose.com at a discounted price of $15.00 including shipping.