Jump Start # 693

Proverbs 13:22 “A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, And the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous.”

Ten days ago I became a grandpa for the first time. Everyone tells me that it is a wonderful journey. The thought of me being a grandfather is scary. Grandfathers are supposed to quote wise sayings and be a bit philosophical about life. I guess I’ll have to quit being a goofball and step up to the plate for my little granddaughter. All of these things have made me think about Bible verses about “grandparents.” I’ve not given that much thought before. Well, I am now. I’m there. It’s amazing how life opens up new sections of the Bible to our eyes.

I will take a few days to look at passages about “grandparents.” For our readers who are not there, hang in there. I tend to find something to fit all of us.

Our passage that we start this journey with is very interesting. Specifically, the writer is talking about money. A good man leaves an inheritance to his grandchildren. There are two thoughts here:

1. A person must be thinking about this while he is working, earning and saving. It’s before the grandparent years kick in that the steps are taken to fulfill this. Far too many need to take a serious look at how they spend and what God says about stewardship and contentment. My generation loves to spend. I’m part of that. Given a dollar, we’ll find a way to spend two. That catches up after a while. Living paycheck to paycheck is dangerous. Someday our boat will go over the falls if we don’t make some adjustments. The only way a good man can leave an inheritance to his grandchildren is by saving as he works and earns. Spending everything is going to leave grandparents broke and in need of help from the kids. That’s not being fair to them. Following the pattern of Congress is a path of doom. Spend less than you earn. Write a budget every month and stick to it. Invest and don’t touch it. Get out of debt quickly. Don’t be defined by what you have. Be generous as God is to you.

2. There is a far greater inheritance than money—it’s spiritual. I see the upside and downside of this in many places. The upside is when you see three or four generations all worshipping together. It’s awesome. There have been lessons taught at home and examples that have been followed. I have seen grandfathers baptizing grandsons. Tears flow. It’s sweet to witness.

The downside of this is when you see grandparents worshipping but there is a generation missing—their kids. Something happened. Maybe it was at the church…maybe it was at home…maybe it was just the decision of these grown kids. But a generation was lost. There is no interest. I have seen grown children drive up to the church building and drop off their aged parents who can no longer drive and then the kids drive off. They show up after services. No desire to park the car and come in with mom and dad. And now, the grandkids are around. Grandparents try to get them to Bible classes and VBS. Sometimes they are allowed to come. Other times they are at home with their parents. How sad.

One of my precious memories is going to Coal City in the summers and going to worship with  my grandparents. It was a very old church building, bright red on the outside, with old pews and old people, but I sure loved it. I could look out the windows of the church building and see cows grazing. For a city boy, that was cool. My grandma got to hear me preach before she passed away. That’s precious to me. My dad has heard my son preach. That legacy and memory is special to those of faith.

It is an important inheritance to pass on to the grandkids, the love of God and the ways of the Lord. Telling them the stories of the Bible, answering their questions and letting them hold your Bible is special.

There is a spiritual torch that grandparents are handing to their grandchildren. There is something special in knowing that the future includes those who love and follow the Lord. Take time to talk about the Bible to your grandchildren. Teach them to say prayers to God. Teach them the songs and hymns that we sing. Help them to know the books of the Bible. If they don’t have a Bible, that makes an incredible gift to them. Be sure to sign your name in the Bible. That will always be dear to them.

A good man will do these things…

Roger