Can you remember who shared stories from the Bible with you when you were a child? Who taught you and directed you to Scripture to learn and grow? Maybe this was a Sunday school teacher, or your parents or grandparents. Quite possibly a combination of several as you consider the memories. We learned through people who had studied and learned what the Scriptures were saying. Perhaps you recall holiday traditions that created the opportunities for stories and the “reasons” we do things or believe the way we do. The other possibility is that you didn’t learn until you were an adult, but now you can share with the youth in your life.
Paul writes to Timothy “to continue in what you have learned and become convinced of, because you know those from who you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures.” We know from the Scriptures that Timothy was raised by his mother Eunice and grandmother Lois. According to the NIV Study Bible, His mother was a Jewish Christian, his grandmother a Christian and his father was Greek and assumed to be an unbeliever. So, what do we as believers do with this information?
Clearly, we are to teach our children and our children’s children about Scripture. When my kids were younger, I always prayed to have clear communication with them, even in tough times. I am grateful that this prayer has been answered and as adults there is consistent grace-filled communication. Speaking slowly and thoughtfully was a sweet provision from the Lord.
I am reminded of my inquisitive 3-year-old grandson, Jackson. He watches my husband and me intently when he is with us and often asks “Papa, why do you do that?” or “Lovey, what happened?” He wants reasons for how things are. This gives us a great opportunity to bring Scripture into his world and to share age-appropriate truth with this little boy. We not only have a responsibility to do this, but our heart’s desire also is for all our grandchildren to know the truth taught in the Scriptures. Sharing with our grandchildren naturally gives them a curiosity to learn more. We look for teachable moments with our grandchildren as we tried to with our kids.
Often, our intentional grandparenting involves praying for each of them. This would include praying for our kids. I am enrolled in a “Grandparenting Matters” class here at EFCC. Learning to be an intentional grandparent and how we can have influence in the lives of family members so that it is passed through to future generations. “Tell it to you children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation.” Joel 1:3
Tammy De Armas
EFCC Member