Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Matthew 19:14

Devotion

Parenthood brings you to a dependency on God that will change you for the better. There is so much truth to that statement.

Being a mom, a grammy, and woman of influence for the next generation are my greatest roles here on earth. I’ve certainly learned a lot over the years—first as a Youth Director right out of college, then a Kids Pastor, then add on becoming a Mother in 1987, and now a Grammy for the past eleven years. Every stage of life, every role of influence, has given me so much thought in raising the next generation. I’ve learned it’s really good to have lots of grace and zero judgment when it comes to parents who don’t do things the way you have. We are all on our journey, learning as we go.

One of the most important things we can do as a Christian for the next generation is to pass down the story of Jesus. It’s so imperative that our kids have a genuine understanding of the gospel, to know who Jesus is, and to know Scripture. If we miss any opportunity to share, our kids lose out.

One of the most important things I did when my kids were small was reading to them. Reading to your kids before bed is always a sweet time to allow them to wind down and truly focus on what they have to say. That one-on-one time is so valuable and precious. It’s really the only time you have a somewhat quiet captive audience when they are young. I always tried to not waste this sort of “set in stone every night” time on “cute” books alone. I made an intentional effort to read at least part of a chapter or story from the children’s Bible.

My daughters, Erica and Brittany, were read to at bedtime during those preschool and elementary years. My husband and I would trade off every other night spending time with each child on a one-on-one basis. We loved reading out of the children’s Bible—first we read to them, then later on they read to us. It’s one of the most important things we did with them, reading the Bible and then prayer time.

We were hopeful this was modeling a lifestyle they would carry on as they became adults. And now it is such a blessing that they have carried this on with their children, our grandchildren … oh what a treasure passing on the story of Jesus, generation after generation.

Your example, the day-by-day model you set, is what your kids will catch. Children are observant; they will pick up your traits, good or bad. The old saying is true: “More is caught, than taught.” Talk about Jesus in your homes, read his word together, and model Christ in the best way you know how.

I recently read a quote by Theodore Roosevelt: “ A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education.” In Deuteronomy 4:10, God says to Moses “Gather the people to me, that I may let them hear my words…and they may teach their children so.”

Find opportunities to share Jesus—teach your children the story of Jesus. That’s the mark of true parenting success.

PRAYER

Dear God, with a grateful heart help me to enjoy and embrace each season of life for my children, my grandchildren, and the children you have placed around me. Help me to always find opportunities to share about Jesus story with them daily. What a blessing, that I can share you with the next generation. Be close to them; may they feel your love so very deeply. In Jesus name, Amen.

Lori Bunyar
Pastor, Special Events - OKC

Resources:

Read Egermeier’s Bible Story Book by Elsie E. Egermeier.

Explore other devotions like this one any time at crossings.church/devotions .