2 – A multi-generational parent makes family decisions with both current and future generations in mind.
3 – A multi-generational parent is more passionate about passing down transcending and unchanging biblical truth than personal, generational, and cultural preferences (and helps their family recognize the difference).
4 – A multi-generational parent spiritually trains, consistently disciplines, and lovingly models a marriage worth having with the understanding that their efforts will often be reflected in their own grandchildren’s training, discipline, and relationships.
5 – A multi-generational parent seeks to bless their children’s children and beyond with a godly heritage more than anything else they might leave behind.
6 – A multi-generational parent protects those they love by dealing with family curses now so they don’t carry over into future generations that have to address or overcome them later.
These are just a few, although there could probably be many more. Based upon these few, would you consider yourself to be a multi-generational parent? And which ones of these things could you personally possess and change for the sake of your children’s children?
I love how Stephen Kendrick (producer of movies like Fireproof and Courageous) put it…
When we’re speaking into the ears of our children, we’re also speaking into the ears of our great, great grandchildren. You will see in scripture that one generation’s obedience to God will bless future generations, or one generation’s rebellion against God will cause great consequences to future generations. All of us are experiencing the consequences of the sins of our ancestors, and the rewards of their righteousness and obedience. We need to be thinking in terms of our decisions, our training, and how our lives are going to affect 10 generations down the road.
May I encourage you to expand the vision of your role as a parent and the longevity of its consequences? May I encourage you to stop and see the big picture? May I encourage you to become a multi-generational parent?
Children’s children are the crown of old men. (Proverbs 17:6)
How could understanding this concept change the way you parent your kids this week?
This article originally appeared here and is used by permission.
