The Next Generation

“He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments.” Psalm 78:5-7

“You are as much serving God in looking after your own children, training them up in God’s fear, minding the house, and making your household a church for God as you would be if you had been called to lead an army to battle for the Lord of Hosts.” Charles Spurgeon

Every morning my daughter comes down the stairs and sees me already sitting with Jesus. I never forced her, but now she joins me—pulling out her own Bible, journaling, reading her little devotional book. It hit me hard: this is discipleship. Not a program, not a conference, not an intensive. Discipleship happens around the table, in the living room, eating together.

I can go out and make disciples in the community, across the nation, even to the ends of the earth. But if I’m not discipling my own kids, it’s all for nothing. They’re watching everything. They see me open the Word first thing. They watch me do hard things, repent when I fail, love their mom, show up day after day.

I’m learning that discipleship is caught more than taught. It’s living the gospel out loud in front of the people closest to you. Do first. Then teach.

Paul wrote, “Though you have countless guides in Christ, you do not have many fathers” (1 Corinthians 4:15). We don’t need more noise—we need fathers. Men who will rise up, take responsibility for their homes, and lead their children to set their hope in God.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 commands it: “These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children… when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”

Jesus said the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few (Matthew 9:37). This morning I’m praying for fathers to step up—to lead their homes, love their kids well, and live the gospel so clearly that the next generation can’t help but follow.

Lord, make us faithful parents. Let our homes be little churches where Your works are remembered and Your hope is passed on. Amen.

Have a great day—starting with Him, right in front of your kids.