God’s future-focused purpose

Showing God’s love to future generations

I’ve been thinking about generations a lot this week as I celebrated the birth of a new grandson. His first name is McHenry, which is my maiden name and a tribute to my father, his great-grandfather, and the generations of McHenrys who came before him. At the same time, his cousin, my other grandson, Bob (who is also named after his great-grandfather), started kindergarten this week. I want these two precious little boys, who are so loved by their family, to also know how much they are loved by God.

God did this to show future generations the greatness of his grace by the goodness that God has shown us in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 2:7

This passage in Ephesians reminds us of God’s mercy and saving grace. But our acceptance of that grace and even our gratitude is not enough. As a follower of Jesus, we are called to share it with future generations.

When I think about showing my grandsons “the greatness of God’s grace,” I look to the generations who shared it with me. I am very fortunate because my faith was passed on by my parents. But they didn’t do it through their words. They “showed it” by modeling for me and for many others (some related, some not) what it looks like to live your life as a follower of Jesus. I’ve started a list of the things they did that I want to make sure I do to share God’s amazing love with my grandsons. Perhaps this will give you some ideas on how you can share your faith with those you love.

LIVE FAITHFULLY – Attending worship each week, reading Scripture daily, praying before meals and at bedtime were all a regular part of my parents’ lives and were practices they demonstrated and nurtured in my siblings and me. Even today, when he is no longer physically able to worship in person, my father has perfect attendance through the televised worship, and he begins every day reading a Scripture and devotion.

GIVE GENEROUSLY – My parents didn’t talk about stewardship, they demonstrated it. I knew from an early age that when dad paid the bills (back when you wrote out your checks each month) the first check went to the church. But their generosity extended far beyond that. My parents came from humble means and were both teachers, yet they considered all they had to be a gift from God and gave generously to those in need, even if it required a personal sacrifice.

SERVE OTHERS – Just as they gave their financial resources generously, they also gave their time. We used to joke that my mother did not know how to say no to anyone. She felt called to be Jesus’ hands and feet in the world, and I have seen first-hand the lives that she impacted. She always found a way to be there for someone in need, regardless of how busy she was or how inconvenient it might be.

PRACTICE KINDNESS – For my parents, kindness was a verb. They took the command to love your neighbor seriously, and they had a lot of neighbors! They repeatedly demonstrated what it looked like to treat everyone with respect and kindness, even when someone was unkind to them. During my mother’s final days, she continued to find ways to bless others.

SPEAK LOVE – I know that I am loved by God because from the day I was born my parents told me that they loved me and that God loved me.

Now, to indulge a proud grandma…

Henry and Bob, Gaga and Papa love you, and so does God!