If someone walked up to you today and asked if you knew the purpose of grandparenting, would you have a clear, succinct answer – from the Bible?
If not, you are not alone. Research shows that only about 1 in 4 Christian grandparents have clarity when it comes to that question.
Let’s see if we can’t remedy that by taking a quick look at the role of grandparent through the eyes of culture, the church, and Scripture.
Culture
Culture’s view might very well be dubbed, leisure and indulgence.
The prevailing thought in today’s culture is that grandparents have done their time. Therefore, they’ve earned their leisure. The expectation is that those in this season will kick back and relax, travel the world, and move to a warm climate. (Of course, the move will be into an exclusive retirement community!)
Along with leisure comes indulgence. Because, undoubtedly, on those occasions when you do see your grandchildren, you will sugar them up and buy them lots of stuff!
Please do not hear me say that grandparents should not take trips or buy things for their grandchildren. There is absolutely nothing inherently wrong with trips or purchases. However, these things should not be the focus of our grandparenting.
Before moving on, I would like to note here that a recent Barna Study underscores the importance of grandparents not buying into what culture is teaching. For, in their ability to influence their grandchildren, grandparents are second only to parents. Coaches, teachers, and everyone else are a distant third!
Church
If you grew up in the church, I would venture to guess that you have heard a myriad of sermons on the roles of husband, wife, and even children. You’ve probably also attended your share of conferences or retreats on the subjects. But think back. Can you recall any sermons or conferences on the role of grandparents?
Our churches tell us that the husband is the head of the family (Ephesians 5:22), the wife is the helpmate (Genesis 2:18), and the children are to honor (Exodus 20:12). Yet, over the years these same churches have been woefully silent on the role of grandparent.
Scripture
The word grandparent does not appear in most of our Bible translations. However, we do find grandparent language such as son’s son and children’s children. And when we open our eyes and look for this language, we will discover the beautiful role God has designed for 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—
Deuteronomy 4:9
Do you see the grandparent language in Deuteronomy 4:9? Now that we see it, note the clear instruction given to grandparents. They are to make the things their eyes have seen known to their grandchildren!
Try the same with Psalm 78:4-8. Begin by looking for all the beautiful grandparent language as you read the passage. Did you find things like, “the coming generation” and “the children yet unborn?” Now go back and reread the passage looking for the instructions given to grandparents – instructions such as to tell “the glorious deeds of the Lord” and to teach the testimony.
Even though the word grandparent does not appear in our Bibles, Scripture is filled with grandparent language. When we learn to look for it, our God-given role becomes very clear.
We are to pass a spiritual legacy to our grandchildren.
How to Pass a Spiritual Legacy to Your Grandchildren
MODEL THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST
Be a role model for your grandchildren. Live your life according to biblical principles. Model the fruit of the Spirit. Help your grandchildren see the character of Christ.
OBSERVE TRADITIONS
First, it is important to know the difference between a ritual and a tradition. A ritual is a ceremonial observance of set forms or rites. A tradition is the practice of handing down stories, beliefs, and customs from one generation to another in order to establish and reinforce a strong sense of identity. Once you understand the difference, begin to establish and carry out traditions within your family that reinforce a strong sense of identity for your grandchildren.
SHARE YOUR GOD-STORIES
Every believing grandparent has a story of how God has worked in their life. And we are instructed to tell our story so that our grandchildren will see God; learn to love Him with all their heart, soul, strength, and mind; grow in spiritual maturity; and walk in His ways. Take every opportunity to share not only your salvation story but the stories of your faith journey, your family heritage, and the Good News of the Gospel message with your grandchildren.
PERSEVERE IN PRAYER
Prayer is a powerful means for passing a legacy of faith to our grandchildren. Note that prayer is modeled throughout Scripture, is our response to God’s invitation (Revelation 3:20), is our weapon in spiritual battle (Ephesians 6:12-18), and knows no boundaries. (Our adult children may place boundaries when it comes to our sharing Christ with our grandchildren, but no one can keep us from praying.)
BLESS
We are commanded by God to bless (1 Peter 3:9). Blessing is not just a word. To bless someone is to show them a special favor or mercy. It’s the projection of good into the life of another, and the good can comes in various forms – material, financial, time, inclusion, affirmation, forgiveness, encouragement, etc. Bless your grandchildren with words of encouragement and affirmation. Perform acts that deliver hope and refreshment. Serve as a conduit through which God’s love and grace can flow, affirming your grandchild’s value and God’s purpose for their lives.
This, dear grandparent, is our role as Scripture defines it. We are to help our grandchildren come to see the greatness and glory of God and to know who He is.
Tell your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children to another generation.
Joel 1:3
