Our culture tells grandparents that they’ve done their job, it’s time to rest. Sit back, relax. It’s time to take care of you. You’ve earned it!
The Bible tells us something different.
“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
In the pages of the Bible, we learn that God has designed our role with a much different look than that of current culture. God includes grandparents in His definition of family. They matter. They are essential. Grandparents, in fact, have been given a role that is not interchangeable with any other.
A grandparent’s responsibility is to pass on a heritage of faith to future generations.
One way grandparents can carry out their biblical role is through the spiritual practice of LIGHTING THE WAY.
LIGHT THE WAY
He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children. Psalm 78:5
Grandparents are to teach. We need to step up and step into the role. It is not optional. We have a wealth of experience to share: the truths of Scripture, our personal God-experiences, life lessons, social skills. Build character, help them grow, deepen your relationship by having fun together.
The other aspect of lighting the way is to spend time in God’s Word with your grandchild. This practice involves things like reading the Bible, memorizing Scripture, and holding devotions. Reading God’s Word together with your grandchild will provide some of the most significant moments of impact you will ever have with your grandchild.
5 TIPS for LIGHTING THE WAY for Your Grandchild
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Read the Bible Together…
- One resource for reading with younger children is The Jesus Storybook Bible: Every Story Whispers His Name by Sally Lloyd-Jones.
- Teach older children how to Verse Map.
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Memorize Scripture with your grandchild.
Find Scripture songs or make up your own tunes, make a game of it, or create your own group in a Scripture memory app like Scripture Typer.
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Talk about your relationship with God.
Whether you’ve walked with God for a short time or many, many years, you have a personal God-story. Share it with your grandchildren.
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Write thank you notes with your grandchildren and then mail the notes.
For whatever reason, the writing of thank you notes is fast becoming a lost art. Take the time to teach your grandchildren how to write the note and address the envelope. Help them show gratitude while putting a smile on someone else’s face.
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Encourage a life of excellence. Teach your grandchildren to do their best and never settle for mediocrity.
Teach, read the Bible with your grandchild, LIGHT THE WAY as you carry out your God-designed role of passing the heritage of faith.
See 5 Tips for Biblical Grandparenting for Passing the Faith Tips on preparing ourselves for our God-given role.
For tips on connecting with your grandchildren, see Connect: 5 Tips for Biblical Grandparenting.
Click HERE to view all the Passing the Faith Grandparenting Tips.
