What are you passionate about? Are you transferring that passion to your children, your grandchildren?
Last evening after coming home from church, I saw a picture on Facebook that had passion written all over it. There was a happy, fulfilled, fun-loving grandfather taking a selfie with his grandson on his back. The gleam in grandpa’s eyes was priceless. You see, I have known this man for many years, more than I want to count (Ha!). He is passionate about his walk with Christ, his precious wife, his own children who are all now married and gone, the ministry he shares with thousands every year, and many other things.
I also know that this grandfather has a real passion for hiking and running. He has served for many years at a camp in the mountains of western North Carolina that is known for its four waterfalls. He has hiked and ran to the well-known falls multiplied times. It is no wonder to me to see this selfie of grandfather and grandson standing in front of one of the waterfalls. Furthermore, the status read, “I had so much fun tonight going to a waterfall with my grandson. I think we have many more hikes in our future.”
You see, when you are passionate about something, you want to share it with others! What really struck me about this picture was grandad carrying his grandson to his favorite place. He was willing to be uncomfortable for a while, to sweat some, to be inconvenienced a bit, to take a small risk, and to make time to share his passion with someone he loved.
In particular, parents and grandparents, are you passionate about Christ? Does the Word of God, the mind of Christ, resonate in your heart? Are you growing in the grace and knowledge of Christ in such a way that you cannot hold it in? You just have to share it with someone! Are you willing to be inconvenienced a bit to make sure the children around you know Christ in a personal way? Can they see your passion for Him? Would you be willing to “carry them on your back” so they could experience Christ? Would you sweat some? Would you take risks? Would you plan the time and take the time?
Children become passionate about who and what is passionate to us. If you took a selfie of you teaching your children and/or grandchildren about Christ, what would be seen? Would there be passion in your voice, a gleam in your eye, a delight in your soul, and a heart to do it again? They are watching and listening.
Psalm 16:7-9, 11
7 I will bless the Lord who has given me counsel;
My heart also instructs me in the night seasons.
8 I have set the Lord always before me;
Because He is at my right hand I shall not be moved.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices;
My flesh also will rest in hope.
11 You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
Psalm 86:8, 10-12
8 Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord;
Nor are there any works like Your works.
10 For You are great, and do wondrous things;
You alone are God.
11 Teach me Your way, O Lord;
I will walk in Your truth;
Unite my heart to fear Your name.
12 I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart,
And I will glorify Your name forevermore.
From A Pastor's Heart 