Psalm 90:1 Lord, through all the generations you have been our home! (NLT)

This verse is a favorite of mine. Recently, I was reminded of it when my great uncle passed away. He had been a pastor for well over forty years. He was my grandfather’s brother, and my grandfather was also a pastor for over forty years. The generation before them had several people called into the ministry as well. In fact, my great-grandfather and grandfather on my mother’s side helped to disciple my grandfather on my father’s side. This resulted in changes on the other side of my family tree…and this happened before my mother and father even met! There is no end to the wonderous working power of God! It’s truly amazing.

Being raised in church and around ministers put my childhood mind at ease. I once asked my mom if I was going to make it to Heaven because “Papaw’s a preacher.” She lovingly let me know that was not the case. Salvation was a personal decision and I could not ride the coattails of my relatives into Heaven. That night I made the decision to accept Jesus as my savior in the car as my mom prayed the prayer of salvation with me. And, while I have my own personal relationship with the Lord, I am so thankful for the examples that I saw growing up through the lives of those who dedicated their entire lives to the Gospel. So many relatives and friends of my grandfather’s generation have received their eternal reward. Others are getting older. Who will carry on the mantle? It’s up to us.

How do we step up to the plate?

First, we pray. We pray for God’s anointing and we seek Him with our whole hearts. I can remember hearing stories of aunts and uncles who had passed before I was ever born. They took their prayer time so seriously. Even when Uncle Frank and Aunt Sally had visitors arrive on their doorstep during their prayer time, the visitors could hear their prayers from the front porch and wouldn’t dare knock until their prayer time was over. There was a reverence and respect for a dedicated time of prayer.

Next, we shepherd the generation coming after us. At Crane Eater, we are very blessed with youth and amazing programs to disciple them. For those of us who are also parents, we can’t let the job go when we get home. We need to set examples for our kids in word and deed. Personally, I want my kids to see me reading my Bible. I want them to know that mommy takes time out to study God’s word. We also need to guard our hearts. What are we allowing to come into our homes? What kind of entertainment are we watching or listening to? Little eyes and ears are watching. Making godly decisions with our entertainment choices isn’t about being legalistic, but it is about being holy and set apart.

Last, we invest in those who are coming up behind us. I love the way that our church does this through programs and events such as youth services and Children’s Sundays. Our children and youth are getting experience with praise and worship, speaking in front of the church, and sharing their talents.

Maybe you didn’t have the same kind of story as me. Maybe you are a first-generation Christian. Praise God! I’m so thankful that He has redeemed your story. You have the ability to change the whole trajectory of your family line. Allow God to work through you to reach those in your family who might not have a personal relationship with Him. Perhaps one day your grandchildren will be serving the Lord because of your example and consistency.

Whether or not you “cut your teeth” on the church pew or your new to church altogether, here’s the beauty of it all: the same God who saw my ancestors through is the same God we serve today. He does not change. Throughout all generations, He is our home.