Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – May 19, 2014
A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous. Proverbs 13:22
Grandparents have an opportunity to invest financial, emotional and spiritual capital into their children’s children. This return on investment may prove to be the most significant, if done prayerfully and proactively. Thus we pray, “How can I give to our grandchildren in a manner that blesses them the best, while honoring their parents and the Lord in the process?” Ultimately we trust God to take our generous gifts and use them to grow faithfulness for future generations.
Therefore, our generosity is not a subtle scheme to control our desired outcome (no matter how noble it might be), rather the goal of our gifts is to be a catalyst for God’s will. Our role as grandparents is not to tell our adult children and grandchildren what to do, but to support them in what they do. They are their own persons, hopefully under the authority of the Spirit’s leading, so we bring the most lasting value when we value them over their chosen path to follow in life.
“Rise up; this matter is in your hands. We will support you, so take courage and do it” (Ezra 10:4).
Grandparents show respect when they confer with their adult children, before they give to their grandchildren. It could be as small a matter as a cream filled donut for breakfast, or as big an issue as opening a college fund. We ask permission before our big-hearted acts, so we have the full support of mom and dad. Well-meaning help will hurt if done outside the intentions of the parents. Next generation generosity is most effectively done in collaboration with our children.
Most of all, invest spiritual capital into your grandchildren. Make sure your influence for the Lord is allocated heavily on the asset side of their spiritual balance sheet. Pray with them. Go to church with them. Read Bible stories to them. Share God examples of life change and answered prayer. Teach them old hymns while you feed the ducks. Having fun without instilling a faith influence is like taking a fevered child to the amusement park without offering any comfort or medication. Yes, your intimacy with Jesus is the most precious gift you can give your grandchild.
“But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children” (Psalm 103:17).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, grant me wisdom to know how to be the most generous with my grandchild.
Related Readings: Genesis 48:11; Ezra 9:12; Psalm 128:6; 2 Corinthians 12:14; 1 Timothy 5:4
Post/Tweet today: Our role is not to tell our adult child what to do, but to support them in what they do. #wisdomhunters
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© 2014 by Boyd Bailey. All rights reserved.
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How can you invest when you don’t have anything to give?
Dear Vickie~
Thank you so much for reaching out to Wisdom Hunters regarding the devotional, “Generous Grandparents”. We always love hearing from our fellow wisdom hunters!
I must say, I am not quite sure about your question, though.Do you mean you don’t have anything financially to invest right now? If so, I am sure many of our wisdom hunters friends are right there with you. If that is the case, please know that the “spiritual investing” you do on behalf of those precious “grands” is as important (if not more important!). The opportunity for you to pray for them and with them, teach them about their Savior, role model your faith based life, and at the same time, encourage them in their lives is a HUGE INVESTMENT. Maybe a time will come later on to also help financially, but for now, what better gift than to bring them closer to our Heavenly Father?
Vickie, if I completely “missed the boat” with your question and you would like to talk more, please email me gwynne@wisdomhunters.com.
Believing and trusting~
Gwynne
“Let this be written for a future generation,
that a people not yet created may praise the Lord.”
Psalm 120:18
“But you, O Lord, sit enthroned forever;
your renown endures through all generations.”
Psalm 120:12