Faith for the Next Generation

Read Psalm 127:1-5.

In Psalm 127, we read, “Children are a heritage from the Lord” (v. 3). Make no mistake. Children do not belong to society; they belong to the Lord. They are His, and we have been entrusted with the task of raising them to be mighty men and women of God. In fact, this same passage says, “Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are children born in one’s youth” (v. 4). The primary application of the psalm is for the family; the secondary application is for the church. The psalm begins by reminding us of the sovereignty of God and then hastens to declare our responsibility toward them (see vv. 1-2). So God’s Word makes it demonstrably clear that we cannot succeed in this crucial responsibility without God’s power and strength working in us.

Now, I know parents who work very hard to provide for their children’s needs. That’s a wonderful thing, but it means very little if those parents are not also training and preparing their kids to be warriors for God’s Kingdom. We must not neglect the most important task in raising the next generation: to teach them to know and love God—that means to revere and obey His Word. We must consistently remind them of their potential in Christ to be used mightily for His name.

This responsibility is not only for parents. It’s for the people of God. Every believer has a part to play in raising up the next generation. Whether you’re married or single—whether you have children or not—you must put your shoulder to the plow and become involved in passing on the whole counsel of God, modeling the Christian life for the next generation. Invite them to follow you as you follow Jesus.

Unless God’s Word is at the center of our lives—at the center of our families, our communities, and the churches across our land—we can spend trillions of dollars on education and end up with a society in ruins. We need to show our children a life lived for Christ. Now is the time to lead by example!

Prayer: Father, thank You for the gift of the next generation and the promise that You preserve a remnant for Yourself (Romans 11:5). May I serve to pass along Truth and godliness to the youth in my midst for the glory of Your name and their eternal joy. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.