Generational Responsibility
“…we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done.” (Psalm 78:4).
Many families and groups have established traditions over the years; traditions that are passed down from generation to generation. It might be a family holiday tradition such as where and when you share your annual Thanksgiving Day meal. Or it may be a tradition in following your favorite sports team. It may be an annual family reunion, or it may be regular visits to a favorite vacation spot.
We may also pass down a family business or vocation. And it’s very common for children to develop a love for the same hobbies as their parents or grandparents. It’s likely that just reading this brings to mind some examples in your own life.
Just as families pass on traditions involving sports or hobbies, or family celebrations, the Bible tells us clearly that we have a fundamental responsibility to tell the next generation about the goodness of God and we are to teach them to follow him. Asaph, the writer of Psalm 78, exhorts the Israelites to do this in the opening verses of this Psalm. “He (God) decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors 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. (vv. 5-7)
Similarly, in Deuteronomy 6:6-9 Moses instructed the Israelites, as follows. “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.”
The spiritual heritage we pass on to the next generation is by far the most important legacy we can leave.
Are you fulfilling your generational responsibility?
Having begun as a guest speaker in 2005, Dan was appointed Interim Pastor in 2008 and has been serving Maple Root Baptist ever since. As a small group leader and Chaplin for the Connecticut Tigers, Dan has a heart for the lost and the God that saves them.