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We must each be a building generation in order for us and the
next generation to survive and thrive. We are in a process which
continues throughout our lives. This is precisely our purpose:
to help each generation be a building generation.
But how do we do that? What are some key ingredients? The following
passages tell us how to pass on our values to the next generation,
and they have been our focus in developing this work.
Many of you are familiar with Deuteronomy 6:4-7. It capsulizes
what needs to be happening in people's and family's lives. It
was one of the last times that Moses talked to the children of
Israel as they were planning to enter the promised land, and as
he was preparing to leave them to go to his Maker. He was preparing
them to continue walking in the ways of the Lord through the generations
after his departure which is clearly stated in verses 1-2. Starting
with verse 4 it says:
"Hear, O Israel! The Lord is our God,
the Lord is one! And you shall love the Lord your God with all
your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And
these words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your
heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your sons and
shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk
by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up."
Some of the keys here are:
- The Lord is your God! He requires and deserves our devotion
more than anything in the world. You are to do it. You and your
is used 14 times in these verses.
- The who of this passage starts with me. The verse also makes
it clear that it is not just a passing fancy. It involves a
passion for God and His Word so that you,
- Love God with your whole heart, soul and might. Spending
time with God becomes an important part of your daily life.
It becomes a focus of our lives and our children/students will
pick up the real focus of our lives.
Then the passage tells what we must do with the outgrowth of
our passion for God and His Word.
- You must teach these things diligently to your sons. Passing
it on becomes a part of your lives as natural as sitting in
your house, walking along the way (driving down the road), lying
down and rising up in the morning.
- You will talk about them as you come and go, making the most
of every opportunity. If this was being done, then by the time
your children are old enough for seminary it will merely be
the crowning touches for those who have a solid foundation.
While this is a familiar passage, think about what happened
to the king's sons in the Old Testament. Over and over again
the sons strayed and went in unholy directions. How often do
you think these truths were carried out?
Think about the Puritans and their strong stand. What do you
know about their children and their grandchildren. Are you aware
that they had to develop a half-way covenant for their children
so that they would be able to join them? Why was that necessary?
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 A
Building Generation
An
Enjoying Generation
A
Destroying Generation
 Conclusion
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