Whilst Christians are busy and do their fair share of “good works”, many are not so good at reproducing themselves spiritually.
This does not refer to evangelism per se, although that might seem an obvious application. I mean rather the raising up of a new generation that will serve God (Psalm 22:30).
Are our schools and church initiatives doing enough, or are we just producing “good people”? Psalm 78 instructs us to study the great works of God, so that we can tell these things to our children, and they in turn to their children, so that all may place their trust in God.
Deuteronomy 4:9 warns us, “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”.
Psalm 145:4-6 declares, “One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts. On the glorious splendour of your majesty, and on your wondrous works, I will meditate. They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds, and I will declare your greatness.”
For this “faith transmission” to really work, however, the senior generation must first have seen and been exposed to the mighty acts of God. We must be passing on things that are real and have made a difference to us. As we reflect on this and as we pray for our next generations (many of them presently “prodigals”), let us seek the Lord wholeheartedly and passionately to know Him for ourselves.
Dear Heavenly Father, I cry out to You for the many (you can name them…) who are not walking with You, or who seem to be settling for much less than the fullness of life You offer. I know Your heart is for these “prodigals”, to bring them to Yourself and I repent of times when I’ve not been a good example or have even placed obstacles in their paths. Please forgive me. Dear Lord, help me to know You in such a way that others may see and be drawn to You. Help me to take more seriously the possibility that I may have a role in helping and supporting their spiritual development. Amen.