How Do We Measure Up?

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Psalm 78:4-7

We will not hide them from their (our) children; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders he has done. He decreed statutes for Jacob and established the law in Israel, which he commanded our forefathers to teach their children so the next generation know them, even the children yet to be born and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands.

What an important concept – telling the next generation about who God is and how we should serve Him. How are we doing in the U.S.?

A few weeks ago, I attended a birthday party of a friend turning 60. We played a trivia game in which one of the questions asked was: “How many people in the U.S. in 1961 claimed to be Christian and believed in God?” The answer was a whomping 80% of the population. We decided it would be interesting to check how that compared with today. One report said only 40% today call themselves Christian or believe in God. I did find another source that said 65% but it also said it continues to go down. Many today consider themselves atheist, agnostic or “nothing in particular”.

What has happened? How have we as believers failed? The scripture above tells us what we should be doing. Let’s do some self-examination:

1. Do we take time as a family to read, learn, discuss, and live God’s Word as Deuteronomy 6:7-9 instructs? Impress them (God’s commands) on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your house and upon your gates.

2. Do we pray often with our family or friends and alone showing complete dependence on God? I Thessalonians 5:17Pray continually.

3. Are we attending church regularly and meeting together in Bible study classes and fellowship times? Hebrews 10:25Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another and all the more as we see the Day approaching.

4. If you have been raised this way you are so privileged, but you also have great responsibility. We need to have sincere hearts. Psalm 51:17 My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; and a contrite heart, O God, you do not despise.

Children realize when parents or other leaders aren’t living God’s ways. They recognize if it’s only outward, fake behavior. They often follow the worldly thoughts which can seem more sincere. We must be on guard for the devil’s schemes of breaking in to give us a ‘holier than thou’ attitude. We must humble ourselves often ad pray God helps us sincerely go His way. As I read and study God’s Word, I find that as we follow His path and obey, we are greatly blessed. We reap an amazing harvest on earth with seeing the next generation follow God too and God promises blessings for all eternity. If we don’t there is suffering and loss.

The lyrics of a favorite song of mine say it best: “Cause I’m just a nobody trying to tell everybody all about Somebody who saved my soul. Ever since You rescued me You gave my heart a song to sing. I’m living for the world to see nobody but Jesus.” (Casting Crowns). May this be our prayer in life!

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Moses, and Soccer, and Death

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Better Than Life