Raising Your Grandchildren Muestra

 Is Good Good Enough?

We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deed of the Lord, His power, and the wonders He has done. Psalm 78:4

I have learned that being a good parent or grandparent is not good enough. My children and grandchildren need the Good News more than they need good gifts or good times. It’s not enough to provide for physical needs and a safe place to live. While good parents and grandparents love their children and work hard to provide these things, it’s not good enough. Our children also need to know the Good News because the Good News is able to redeem all the messes their young lives (and yours) are wading through right now.

In other words, our children today need adults in their lives whose lives are shaped by the Gospel and are actively engaged in telling the next generations the truth about the Gospel. Here are three crucial hallmarks of a Gospel-shaped parent or grandparent:

1. Intentionality

Instruction is the application of intentionality. It is the means by which we prepare another generation to know the difference between what is true and what is false. We also call it discipleship, the foundation of a strong, healthy family. Here are a few practical ways to give legs to intentionality:

a. Make family time a priority. The family table (eating meals together) and bedtime are two of the most powerful “sacred spaces” we have for teaching our children or grandchildren. We need to guard these times and learn to ask questions that engage conversations about life and truth.

b. Make Christian holidays memorable. This is about recapturing the real purpose and meaning of these holidays (Advent/Christmas and Good Friday/Easter especially) and using them to teach the core truths of God’s grace and salvation for mankind.

c. Read together frequently. Read the Bible together along with other good books that will stir the mind to imagine with wonder and awe all that God has done.

d. Speak blessing often. Our words matter. Learn the importance of speaking in a way that builds up. Investigate the use of spoken blessings in your family.

2. Prayer (Supplication) 

It is important to establish a regular practice of prayer, not only for your children and grandchildren, but with them. Teach them to pray by modeling it in prayer times with them. Invite them to pray with you and express what is on their heart.

3. Imitation 

Paul said it this way: “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice” (Philippians 4:9). It’s a pretty bold statement that emphasizes the importance of living what we believe. We will not always do what we profess, but we will do what we believe. So even with our flaws, we want to say, “imitate me,” because the Gospel has changed everything. And that is good enough.

Prayer: Father, don’t let me settle for wanting my grandchildren to like me. Help me to be the kind of grandparent they will want to imitate because my life looks like you. 

 We adapted this plan from another resource. Learn more at  http://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/raising-your-grandchildren/389310