I don’t know about you, but I heard this a lot when I was young. It must have made an impression, because what I am experiencing now brings this cliche to mind.
On face value it’s silly. Of course God doesn’t have grandchildren. Each and every person is His own creation, His writing of DNA, His plan. I think of all the aborted babies in heaven, the miscarriages, those lost through SIDS. Each one is His child.
But this phrase gives me pause as a grandparent, myself.
I look at my precious grandchildren and I wonder—-where have I messed up my parenting that will affect my grandchildren?!
If I didn’t parent well this could have repercussions on my children’s parenting. Of course they have every chance of being stellar parents despite my own shortcomings. We have seen that played out time and again in testimonies from all over the world.
But I do see strains of different thinking, ideas, spiritual journeys that surprise me at times. They are different people with different experiences. Of course they will be different.
But when those ideas and bents lead them in different paths from Biblical truths I am alarmed. I wonder how they will affect the next generation.
My generation abandoned the Biblical Inerrancy stand. The pre-tribulation rapture is not a popular idea anymore. Theology is wishy-washy and prophecy is scorned.
Kingdom Now and Dominionism are all the rage. You can research these for yourself. New Age Ideas and Paganism are everywhere, often embraced by many who identify as Christian.
Biblical literacy is at an all-time low. The next generation has so few people who really know Scripture, the Bible stories, memorized verses. It’s a shame.
So if the next generation doesn’t know the Bible, how will their children know? Most knowledge is imparted through daily interaction. Parents have a huge responsibility.
Thankfully the internet is full of young people who really do crave Jesus and His truth. I am somewhat encouraged by the zeal of some on Instagram. I can only promote their stuff, rejoice that they have found a voice, and they are passing on Biblical truths.
It’s not enough, though.
The next generation tends to scorn church. I understand the problem. Church is a place where sinners convene, a bunch of scrappy humans with issues. Fights break out. Sin (bad sin) reveals itself periodically. The church is a hot mess.
But that doesn’t mean it does not have value. We need each other. We need to be a body, a spiritual body. We need to duke it out with each other on issues. We need to have a forum to practice love and service, support and prayer.
We need to see supernatural healing, which happens regularly in these imperfect church bodies. Yes, church life is messy, but it is necessary.
It’s also commanded by Jesus. Do not forsake the assembly….
So, dear ones of the next generations, this grandma implores you to read your Bible, take your children to church, get messy with fellow believers, pray, and WATCH FOR JESUS TO COME BACK FOR YOU!
This is the hope that will sustain you through anything, including wars and evil schemes.
Jesus wins. We have the truth.
MARANATHA!