Generational

There are some things that are handed down from generation to generation. There are habits, traits, attitudes and skills that parents and grandparents can pass on to their future generations. Some of these habits, traits, attitudes and skills that are passed down are great – but some are definitely not.  I’ve met kids whose parents are very negative and constantly down on everything – they often have kids who are “cut from the same cloth”. On the other hand, I’ve met kids whose parents are positive, rock solid Christians with a healthy heart for God whose kids are growing in the same way. There is a lot to be said for example and environment. They affect everyone at different ages and in different ways.  As I become the older generation – it’s harder for the younger generation to influence me. The influence of the younger generation is not all bad and it’s not all good either. Check this out…

 1 My people, hear my teaching;


    listen to the words of my mouth.

2 I will open my mouth with a parable;


    I will utter hidden things, things from of old –

3 things we have heard and known,


    things our ancestors have told us.

4 We will not hide them from their descendants;


    we will tell the next generation
the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord,


    his power, and the wonders he has done.

5 He decreed statutes for Jacob


    and established the law in Israel,


which he commanded our ancestors


    to teach their children,

6 so that the next generation would know them,


    even the children yet to be born,


    and they in turn would tell their children.

7 Then they would put their trust in God


    and would not forget his deeds


    but would keep his commands.

8 They would not be like their ancestors –


    a stubborn and rebellious generation,


whose hearts were not loyal to God,


    whose spirits were not faithful to him. (Psalm 78:1-8 NIV)

 

I believe it is wise for me to think carefully about the influence of my actions on the generation behind me. I can certainly continue to learn from the generation ahead of me as well.  As I study the word of God – especially the Psalms, I realize that my “heart condition” is crucial to hearing from God and knowing Him.

I want a heart that is loyal to Him.

I want a heart that pursues Him.

I want a heart that listens to Him.

I want my kids to see my heart for the Lord and desire the same for themselves.

I want others to know the benefits of following the Lord wholeheartedly. I want my life to have an impact on my children, their children’s children and so on.

Pressing On!

Dwayne