Generation: Passing on the Faith

Often there are deteriorating standards (especially in morals) with each succeeding generation. A generation is reckoned to be about 30 years. The Lord's sovereign miracle power is dissipated quickly unless there is a continuing obedience and blessings are actively passed on from the older to younger people.

Biblical Heritage

"Another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what He had done for Israel…they quickly turned from the way in which their fathers had walked" (Jdg 2:10,17). It is the responsibility of the older family members to pass their Christian heritage on down through the family line for this will not happen without deliberate effort.

As this God framework is not automatically instilled in young lives it must be established as Biblical truths are lived out and verbally shared (Deut 6:6-9,20-25, 11:18-20; Josh 4:21-24). Consistent teaching and instruction is required to lay a solid foundation. As the consequences of the parent's sin will be borne by several following generations (generational curses) don't give cause for your descendants to accuse you of blighting their lives (Ex 20:4-5, 34:7; Num 32:13).

Am I compromising the values handed down to me?

Chosen Generation

Peter draws from the Old Testament Scriptures to reveal the extraordinary spiritual riches that Christians possess in Jesus Christ when he wrote, "You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light" (Ex 19:6; Isa 43:20-21; 1 Pet 2:9).

God's chosen people are now not just the Hebrews, but embraces believers, both Jews and Gentiles chosen to be recipients of His unmerited grace and favour to belong to Him.

Am I living conscious I'm part of this chosen generation?

End Times

Jesus said, "Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place" (Mt 24:34; Mk 13:30; Lk 21:32). While some of the things He spoke about in that conversation did occur during the lifetime of His listeners (the most notable being the destruction of the temple in 70 AD, less than 40 years later), many other specific indicators did not (Mt 24:1ff; Mk 13:1ff; Lk 21:5ff).

The "all these things" Jesus had been speaking about relate to the particular last days events such as the gospel being preached to all nations, the rise of the antichrist, extreme tribulation and even with "the sun, moon and stars being shaken"; although earthquakes and wars are mentioned these are unfortunately a common occurrence over world history.

Increased hostility towards Israel and the advances towards an oppressive one-world government are also possible signs, however we are to be discerning and while not interpreting any singular event in isolation as a clear indicator of the soon arrival of the end times, we can see various events emerging and converging. The "this generation" is understood to be the generation that sees the start of the signs of the end, will also see the end of the world as we know it – these events will take place quickly, within the time frame of a generation.

Bridging the Gap

The perceived generational gap is the lack of understanding of attitudes, opinions, beliefs and values between older and younger people – frequently children, parents and grandparents. Society often segregates the different groups, which is not healthy. Intermixing relationships should be fostered to bridge this divide as the older people have life-experiences and wisdom that the younger folk would do well to learn from, and in turn the youth keep the senior members young in heart. Everyone should form strong links across the spectrum of ages.

Am I fostering relationships across generations?

Reflection and Application:

What spiritual legacy am I passing to the next generation?
How am I actively teaching Biblical truths to younger believers?
Am I living as part of God's chosen generation?
What relationships can I build across different age groups?