God cares about the generations to come. That’s one reason he chose to bless Abraham. “For I have known him in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they may keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice.”(Gen 18:18-19)
Passing on generational blessing is like a relay race: its won or lost in passing on the baton. “The genuine faith that is in you, which first dwelt in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice, and I am persuaded is in you also.” (2 Tim 1:5-7)
The next generation should be able to stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before them. They should be able to see more, do more, and take off from where the last generation left off. (Psalm 78:1-8). In Judges 2:7-10, we see that Joshua’s generation failed to pass their faith on to the next generation and, as a result, their children walked away from the things of God. Why?
1. They failed to drive out the enemy and possess the land. They let their enemies remain in the land and it eventually caused much heartache. When you get saved God wants you to clean up your life! He wants you to remove the enemies from your life and conduct. Drive them out little by little if necessary - but do it. If you don’t eliminate your character weaknesses and bondages, they often show up amplified in your children. A breakthrough in your life is a breakthrough for all your descendants!
A magazine once gave some interesting statistics: One man, Max Jukes, did not believe in religion and married a girl of the same opinion. From this union came 1,026 descendants. Research found that 300 had died prematurely; 100 were sent to the penitentiary; 190 sold themselves to vice; 100 were drunkards. That family eventually cost the state of New York millions of dollars! Another man, Jonathan Edwards, believed in God and married a girl of like character. From that union 729 descendants were produced. They discovered that 300 were preachers; 65 were College Professors; 13 University Presidents; 6 authors; 3 Congressmen; and 1 United States Vice President.
A BREAKTHROUGH IN YOUR LIFE IS A BREAKTHROUGH FOR ALL YOUR DESCENDANTS!
2. They didn’t train their children in the ways of the Lord. The transfer of your faith and your value system doesn’t just happen automatically. That’s why God instructed them to recount his blessings over and over again. “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Prov 22:6). The word ‘training’ here, implies four things:
1. To drill the word of God into your child
2. To prepare for a contest
3. To instruct by exercise
4. To discipline for use
Children don’t automatically obey - they have to be trained to obey. You must train your children when they are young. Teach them how to make good decisions. Teach your children to accept responsibility and make sure they follow through. Teach them how to pray, by precept and example. Teach them how to tithe. Teach them faithfulness and loyalty, by being faithful and loyal yourself. Teach them the importance of church, by attending church yourself.
The Apostle John said, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” (3 John 4)
Yours for a New Generation of Christ-like churches, leaders and believers!
Dr. George Hill
Apostolic Founder and President of Victory Churches International