Yet Examplify

We’re not keeping this to ourselves,
    we’re passing it along to the next generation—
God’s fame and fortune,
    the marvelous things he has done.

~ Psalm 78:4 MSG

“Play my church song.” That’s Savannah’s constant request whenever we’re playing music, even if she’s just heard “Not Ashamed” 5 times in a row. She loves her worship music! And the more “bounce” it has to it, the better. What better way to praise God than in the company of your kids? I can honestly say, it wipes away all the frustrations from the day’s battles when I watch my girls worship God. And it’s not even the high-powered worship sessions, it’s also the tender moments when she asks at dinner or before bed, “Can I pray?” Absolutely! Yes, you can pray! But her next question is always, “How do I pray?” And isn’t that what we’re teaching the next generation: how to walk closely and intimately with Father God in all the ways that we have, and even more?

My girls want to pray, dance before God, sing worship songs, and read the Bible. Why? Because it’s what they see their parents doing. Whether it’s our own kids, kids at church, or those in the neighborhood, the next generation is looking for someone to lead them. Psalm 78:5-7 teaches us what to do and why:

He planted a witness in Jacob,
    set his Word firmly in Israel,
Then commanded our parents
    to teach it to their children
So the next generation would know,
    and all the generations to come—
Know the truth and tell the stories
    so their children can trust in God,
Never forget the works of God
    but keep his commands to the letter.

With our actions, with our words, and by our example, what are we teaching the next generation? We’ve been commanded to teach them the truth about God. Let’s determine we’ll yet exemplify Him.

©Heather Potts 2016