God's Plan in Parenting

The story of Joshua ends on a high note, where Joshua and the Israelites boldly proclaim, “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!” However, the next chapter over, and throughout the entirety of Judges, we see a different story unveil.


So much can change from one generation to the next. One generation may boldly commit their families to the Lord, and the next can let it all unravel. We all want to make bold spiritual claims, yet so many in our world today utter empty promises concerning their faith. Our faith is not measured by the intentions of our words but with the reality in which we choose to live.

Parents can say all they want to about wanting godly children who are close to the Lord and serve Him faithfully with their lives, but words are cheap, and just like the promise of the Israelites, it is measured from one generation to the next. If we want to see spiritual fruit from the next generation, we must listen to and obey God, setting an example for the next generation.

If we want godly children who are close to the Lord and serve Him, are we modeling that for them? Are we growing in our relationship with God through private and corporate worship? Are we stepping outside of our comfort zones to serve God? Are we careful about the influences we allow into our children’s lives?

Talk is cheap, and the next generation is watching carefully. What will they see in us?

Your Youth Minister,
Rev. Evan Alexander