We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders. Psalm 78:4 NLT
It’s a well-known and often repeated truth: The Church is always just one generation from extinction. There is an urgent need to pass the faith to our children through active witness, intentional discipling, and prayer.
Faith is not passed on accidentally; dynamic and transforming faith is reliably passed through daily, consistent, and loving choices. It is our responsibility to tell and show the next generation God’s power through our lives. Every single one of us in the Church of Jesus Christ is a link in the chain of faith. One link failing to share the faith breaks the chain.
It’s a sobering thought to consider that in our family the chain could be broken and the forever family circle of faith we envision will not happen. Heartbreaking to think it could also be so for our church or our nation. We have seen that to be the case in other families, in other churches, and in other nations. But it does not need to be so. We can choose to consider the promise of God recorded in Acts 2:
“In the last days,” God says, “I will pour out my Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions, and your old men will dream dreams. In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on my servants – men and women alike – and they will prophesy.”
Many messages have been shared and articles written about these verses. So much can be dissected and discussed. But this is truly simple and easy to understand. God’s good news and His transforming power is available to everyone.
He specifically promises that young people will continue to be led by the Spirit and will speak out for Jesus. These young followers will see visions for the future and lead in new ways. They will be creative as they find new and effective ways to share “the old, old story of Jesus and His love.” And they will enjoy the partnership of the older ones in the chain of God’s people as God’s Spirit is poured out.
We get to be part of that dynamic activity of God!
- God, help me to be a powerful link in the chain of generations.