We’ve just returned from an amazing trip to Japan where our son serves in the Navy. We flew halfway around the world for one reason and one reason only–to meet our first grandchild! The feeling of holding him for the first time was really indescribable and as I held him in my arms I thought of the fact that the birth of this little guy marks the beginning of a whole new generation for our family.

My family is a treasure to me and with each new person who becomes a part of it, whether daughters-in-law, sons-in-law, or new babies, my heart grows exponentially. Each new member is a blessing and a new opportunity to multiply our spiritual legacy—a new avenue to influence the next generation for Christ.

Parents and grandparents, there is nothing more important than raising our children to love God—not their academic success, their popularity among their peers, their athletic achievements or their dating life. You are a Christian parent (grandparent) so that you can leave a spiritual legacy and through your children, perpetuate Christian values and influence in the world.

There is nothing more fulfilling than to see that our grown children have taken ownership of their faith and are striving to live for Christ. When we arrived in Japan we discovered that our son and daughter-in-law are not only a part of a small group Bible study but that our son is actually leading it! We also attended their church where we met several members who spoke of the spiritual impact our son and his wife have had on others. Now that’s what I’m talking about! 

I share that story not to brag about our parenting (for we have fallen short in so many areas over the years), but to emphasize the fact that God gives grace to us as parents and blesses us when we truly desire to raise kids who love Him. You will mess up many times, no doubt, as we did, but if you will commit to putting Christ at the center of your family life, allowing nothing else to take priority other than the spiritual development of your children, then one day, you too will see the fruit of your commitment to intentional Christian parenting.

As I held that precious little baby in my arms I had full confidence that his parents would raise him in a community of believers, teach him the ways of the Lord, and seek God for wisdom and guidance in their parenting journey. I felt such a warmth come over me. I can’t help but think it was God saying, “I know your heart. I’ve seen it all along. This blessing is for you.”

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” 3 John 1:4 (NKJV)