Now is the Perfect time to Tell

"We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done." Psalm 78:4, ESV

My two-year-old grandson handed me his music player with clear direction: “Jesus me!”

I knew exactly what he wanted. Even though we listened to “Jesus Loves Me” multiple times that morning, I eagerly pressed the play button. What a wonderful way for his heart and mind to absorb the truth of God's love! I hope to take every opportunity God gives me to tell the coming generation about HIm.

When we were raising our children, it seemed as if we had endless days to teach them about Jesus and to model a life of faith in God. We did our best, but did so very imperfectly. If you are a parent reading this, I know you can relate!

My husband and I now live several states away from our adult children and grandchildren.

Can we still make an impact in the spiritual lives of the next generation?

 Let's look at what Moses tells the people of God:

“Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children—” Deuteronomy 4:9 (ESV)

 Moses makes it clear to the Israelites that making God’s ways known to the next generation, and the generation after that, is a command, and not optional.

No time limit is set. In fact, “all the days of your life” is the only boundary of time!

That encourages me to take each day I am given as an opportunity to partner with God in making Him known, even now to my adult children, and grandchildren!

But how do we make God known?

First, we need to draw near to the Lord and love him and serve him with all our heart and all our soul (Deuteronomy 11:13). Only then can we teach the next generation.

“You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul, and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” Deuteronomy 11:18-19 (ESV)

We can make God known to others in small ways, through loving and serving actions, in everyday conversations, and as we go about our day.

And even through long distance!

When your son calls to ask for advice? A great opportunity to ask how you can pray, and to share what God has done and is doing in your life.

When your toddler grandson wants to face time? Wonderful! Join in singing his favorite Bible song!

But what If I’m not a parent or grandparent?

The privilege of telling the next generation isn’t only for parents and grandparents. Long before my husband and I were parents, we were “Aunt Lisa and Uncle Tim”. We had, and still have, special opportunities to share God’s love with our nieces and nephews, encouraging and praying for them.

Consider these inspiring examples of people I know:

• A homebound senior that lovingly packs shoeboxes for impoverished children all over the world through Operation Christmas Child. She includes personal notes and prayers.

• A young, single, woman volunteers each Sunday to mentor Jr. High youth at her local church.

• An older couple without grandchildren take seriously the call to tell the coming generation. They selflessly give of their time and treasure to a trailer park ministry that provides a weekly meal and a safe space for local children.

You are never too old or too young. Now is the perfect time to make God known to the coming generation!

What is one small step you can take this week to be intentional in telling the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord? Commit it to writing and ask the Lord for courage and strength to follow through!