What’s Next?
By Bill Herried
Elevate Their Perspective
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for
this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. —1 Thessalonians 5:16–18
When I graduated from high school I remember thinking, “Now what?” “Where do I go from here?” “God—what is your will for my life?” I was perplexed because, up to that point, most of my education/opportunities had been programmed — from kindergarten through High School.
But now that I have kids/grandkids and I contemplate how to help them grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ. I ask myself, “What do I teach them to help elevate their faith, their perspective?”
Over time I’ve realized that, while there is any number of opportunities, there are some meta-principles that will open up their vision to God’s direction for their lives.
May I share a few principles with you? In Thessalonians the apostle says, “. . . for this is God’s will for you as you follow Christ”:
Note: These can be applied to our lives, as well as those of our kids.
First, rejoice regularly — As our children and grandchildren get older we begin to see their unique character and the possibilities God may have for them. Point these out to them as they mature. Share scriptures that relate to these. Help them to understand that God will reveal His purpose in their life at the right time, and they will undeniably recognize it when He does. When we rejoice in what God is doing with our kids they know and learn the importance of this for their lives. Christ is our Lord, right? Rejoicing for what He is doing in our lives is a recognition of that fact.
Second, pray continually — If we know to bring Him our cares, and confess our doubts, next it is important to teach this to our children and grandchildren. To tell God what you need, and thank Him for what He has done is a daily prayer — so, simply take the opportunity to do it with them. We want them to know that God is never too busy, and He is a good, good Father who loves to hear not only what they need, but what weighs on their hearts.
And finally, give thanks frequently — Thank him in every circumstance. When our children see this lived out in our life, they witness the importance of thanksgiving. They learn to thank, not only their Heavenly Father, but those that He has placed around them and the contributions they have made in their life. As they grow in giving thanks, they will develop an “attitude
of gratitude”. And when they do, it will reframe their circumstances in a whole different light.
It is from here — the vantage point of “contented”, “prayerful gratitude”— that our children and grandchildren can gain a life-changing perspective on God’s unfolding plan in their lives.
And to think, we have the privilege of nurturing that in their lives — and it begins with us!
Bill Herried is lead pastor at CenterPoint Christian Fellowship https://cpcf.org/ in Tacoma, Washington. He has an undergraduate degree from the University of Washington in Seattle, and Master of Divinity from Corban University in Salem, Oregon. He is married to the most extraordinary woman on the planet. Together they have 3 adult children and 4 grandchildren, and loves a good biryani. Bill invites you to learn more on Your Daily Encoragement.
Feature Image by Olya Adamovich from Pixabay
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