“I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you as well.” 2 Timothy 1:5
This past Sunday, September 9, was National Grandparents Day, and this Wednesday morning at our school, we held our annual Grandparents Day Chapel. It’s one of the most attended and memorable chapels of the school year when we celebrate and honor the grandparents of our students, and grandparents see their grandchildren perform in chapel and visit their classrooms.
Grandparents have a special relationship in a child’s life. Grandparents share wisdom, life experiences, and love, passing on a legacy to their children’s children. Christian grandparents have a role, better yet a responsibility, to teach God’s truth to their children and help pass God’s truth along to their grandchildren. We see that in the life of Lois, Timothy’s grandmother.
I saw it first hand in the lives of my grandparents. When I was young, my grandmother and grandfather were intentional about taking me to church, sending me to Vacation Bible School, helping me memorize God’s Word, and pointing me to my Savior Jesus Christ. Even though my parents were not walking with the Lord, my grandparents made sure I knew Jesus Christ and the gospel. At the time I wasn’t a Christian, but I thank God that my grandparents helped me learn the truth of Jesus Christ and God’s Word so that years later I would give my life to Christ.
We probably all have stories about the impact our grandfather or grandmother had on us. God often uses Christian grandparents to help mold the next generation to His glory. Here’s a recent article from BreakPoint that highlights Intentional Christian Grandparenting. Parents and grandparents need to be intentional about sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ to children and grandchildren. This is God’s will and plan for our lives.
There are many skills and life lessons grandparents can pass along to their grandchildren. However, to share the knowledge and wisdom of Jesus Christ and His Word that leads to eternal salvation is by far the most important and precious thing grandparents can ever do for their grandchildren. It is God’s divine plan that parents teach and train their children in the ways of the Lord as a covenant family. But, there a times when Christian grandparents must intercede and share the gospel with the next generation and pray that God will call that child from spiritual darkness into God’s marvelous light.
Paul encouraged Timothy to be thankful for his mother, Eunice, and grandmother, Lois, who taught and trained him from an early age in the Holy Scriptures that led to his salvation in Christ.
“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:14-15
Praise God for grandparents! Praise God for grandparents who follow Jesus Christ and share the gospel of Christ with their grandchildren!
May God bless you with His grace, love, and truth!