Passing the Faith Along

   This week was sort of a milestone in our family, Robin’s first Band Camp.  We were both members of the band throughout high school, and enjoyed many memories of the time.  It seems safe to say that our love of music has successfully passed on to Robin, and Carlee is well on the way.  One of the tasks of parenthood is passing along knowledge and family history; while a Christian parent is also to pass along their faith in Jesus Christ. 

   Many times in the scripture God commands his leaders and people to build altars of remembrance at points of significance.  God then instructed them to tell their children the stories behind the altars.  Not every generation would get to experience the dividing of the Red Sea, but we know about God’s miracle because parents passed their testimony down from generation to generation.  We are also indebted to God for instructing men through the Holy Spirit to record these stories into scripture.  We now have the scripture to use and explain the awesomeness of God also. 

“"When your son asks you in time to come, saying, 'What is the meaning of the testimonies, the statutes, and the judgments which the Lord our God has commanded you?'” Deuteronomy 6:20

“And those twelve stones which they took out of the Jordan, Joshua set up in Gilgal.  Then he spoke to the children of Israel, saying: "When your children ask their fathers in time to come, saying, 'What are these stones?'  then you shall let your children know, saying, 'Israel crossed over this Jordan on dry land';  for the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan before you until you had crossed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, which He dried up before us until we had crossed over, that all the peoples of the earth may know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty, that you may fear the Lord your God forever." Joshua 4:20-24

   Have you been passing along family stories of the faith, including your testimony?  It is an important part of your family’s life to hear your testimony, especially in light that tomorrow is not promised.  No family wants to be at the coffin and wonder about their family member’s salvation.  We also pass along our faith through a strong church.  When passing along church traditions I believe we should pass along “Why we do ____” more than “This is how we do ____.”  A good example may be the “Model Prayer”, some recite the prayer daily (as their only prayer), this would quickly become repetitious and lose meaning.  We should pass along the meaning behind the phrases and let the expression of the prayer show their devotion to God.  God can be glorified through song, art, cleaning, cooking, work, and so on.  Let us devote our time to glorifying God, and passing it on to another.