“Some parents brought their children to Jesus.” Mark 10:13 NLT
Godly priorities and practices train a child’s spirit for both a blessed life and blissful eternity.
My thoughts and comments today are about “a Godly legacy.”
This Sunday will be quite an important occasion for our family. Kaylee Grace, our first great-grandchild, will be presented to the Lord for dedication by our eldest granddaughter and her husband, and both of their parents. (This granddaughter is the one for whom EveryDay Life began in 2006 as a daily email devotional when she began her university studies.) There will be a spiritual legacy of five Godly generations standing at an altar together in gratitude and consecration of this new life. What a thrill it will be to hold that precious little girl in my arms, speaking blessing over her, and her parents, in dedication to the Lord Jesus as we have with all of our children and grandchildren.
Children are no casual matter with God. “[The Lord] commanded our forefathers to teach their children, so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget His deeds but would keep His commands.” Read Psalm 78:1-7 NIV. I count five Godly generations in that Bible verse. Admittedly, there is more to that command than a single Sunday morning of consecration, much more. But it’s a place to begin.
Godly priorities and practices train a child’s spirit for both a blessed life and blissful eternity. Of interest to me is the Bible verse today, “Some parents brought their children to Jesus so He could touch them and bless them.” Mark 10:13 NLT. Those parents understood the thing that is of vital and eternal importance. Music and dance lessons are beneficial. Educational studies equip children for life. Play and social interaction prepare children for healthy relationships. Competitive sports develop strength, skills and model fair play. But don’t ignore what is eternally essential. Whatever their age, do you daily “bring your children to Jesus so He can touch and bless them?”
A spiritual legacy begins with Godly parents who understand their highest calling and purpose is “to bring their children to Jesus.” I have heard adults naively suggest that spiritual matters should be left “until they are old enough to make their own decisions.” How foolish! If parents were to follow that philosophy, their children would never have an education, and would have horrendous health and hygiene habits – and there certainly would not be any violinists!
The Bible’s instruction is too clear to be misunderstood, “Parents . . raise [your children] with Christian discipline and instruction.” Ephesians 6:4 TEV. An older translation says that effective parents’ effective provide, “nurture and admonition” – the essential practices of example and encouragement. I have heard it said, “Your actions speak so loudly, others cannot hear a word you are saying.” Lead your family by your personal example and consistent affirmation. The most effective words are those that are true expressions of your own life.
A spiritual legacy begins in your heart and becomes the center of your home. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength . . these words shall be in your heart . . you shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house . .” Read Deuteronomy 6:5-9 NKJV. In that, you find your greatest joy. See 3 John 4 NIV.
How did Jesus respond to those parents? “Let the little children come to Me . . and He took the children in His arms, put His hands upon them and blessed them.” Mark 10:16 NIV. Notice the means of spiritual impartation: surrounding arms, loving touch, and spoken blessing. In those, there is divine power to touch a child’s heart and change their life forever. Father God yearns for Godly generations to bless, “Oh, that they had such a heart in them that they would fear Me and always keep all My commandments, that it might be well with them, and with their children forever!” Deuteronomy 5:29 NKJV.
My prayer for you today is that you consecrate yourself and family to be fully His.