Have you ever wondered how quickly time flies, especially when it comes to raising children? As I recently watched my oldest son start his senior year of high school, I couldn't help but reflect on how swiftly the years have passed. It seems like just yesterday he was starting kindergarten with his Spiderman-themed Reeboks, and now he's sporting much more expensive Nikes. This realization got me thinking about the crucial role we play in shaping the faith of the next generation.
Whether you're a parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, or simply someone who interacts with younger people, we all have a responsibility to live our lives in a way that points the next generation towards a positive faith experience. Today, I want to share with you a formula for faith development based on Biblical principles that can help us make a lasting impact on those around us.
Setting an Example: Actions Speak Louder Than Words
The Apostle Paul, in his letter to Titus, emphasizes the importance of setting an example. He writes in Titus 2:7, "You yourself must be an example to them by doing good works of every kind." This principle is crucial because, as we all know, more is caught than taught.
As parents, we need to recognize that our children are watching us and, often unconsciously, becoming like us. They do what we do, not just what we say. This truth extends beyond parenting to all our interactions with younger generations.
Think about it: What goals do you have for the young people in your life? For my wife Rebekah and me, our dream has always been for our kids to follow Jesus and live a life of faith for the rest of their lives. But achieving this goal starts with us. It means demonstrating through our actions that:
- Even when things are hard, God is in the midst and goes with us.
- When we get paid, the first thing we do is give a tithe to the church.
- Prayer is a vital part of our daily lives.
- Attending church is a priority, even when we're tired from a late Saturday night.
Reflecting the Gospel: Living Out Our Faith
Paul goes on to instruct Titus, "Let everything you do reflect the integrity and seriousness of your teaching" (Titus 2:7). This takes setting an example a step further – it's about setting the right kind of example, one that truly reflects the teachings of Jesus.
There's nothing more off-putting than someone who says one thing and does something totally different. This incongruence can be maddening and frustrating. In fact, the number one reason kids walk away from faith is because of their parents – they've seen their parents say one thing on Sunday and live differently the rest of the week.
As someone who's been in ministry for over 20 years, I've observed that the young people who grow up to be most committed to their faith are often those whose parents consistently lived out their beliefs. The way we live makes a profound impact on those around us.
Committing to the Truth: Staying the Course
Finally, Paul advises Titus to "Teach the truth so that your teaching can't be criticized" (Titus 2:8). This commitment to truth is essential in our formula for faith development. It means we need to:
- Lead by example
- Extend mercy
- Be a place of grace
- Personally and passionately follow Jesus
- Continue praying for those in the next generation, even if they've strayed from faith
The Psalmist compares children to "arrows in the hands of a warrior" (Psalm 127:4). As those impacting the next generation, we need to ask ourselves: Where are we aiming these arrows? Our target should be following Jesus wholeheartedly throughout our lives.
Putting It Into Practice
Developing faith in the next generation is a long game, but here are three practical steps you can take today:
1. Exhibit unconditional love: Ensure that those in the next generation know there's nothing they can do to make you cast them out.
2. Establish clear boundaries: Remember, kids need parents more than they need friends. Set appropriate limits, especially with things like cell phone usage and social media access.
3. Engage your faith: Lead at home and commit to involvement at church. This could mean praying at mealtimes, attending church more regularly, or bringing your student to youth gatherings.
Remember, as Paul writes in Titus 2:11-14, "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ."
May this be true for us and for generations to come as we commit to developing faith in the next generation.