You Can’t Give What You Don’t Have

For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance…

I Corinthians 15:3-5

A delightful couple, who are passionate grandparents, recently applied for one of our leadership training events. These events equip grandparents to represent our ministry as teachers through our grandparenting seminars and workshops. The application requires a written testimony about their own faith journey.

I was intrigued by a statement in that testimony that said, “I am pleased with [our pastor’s] multi-faith outlook and attitude.” To be sure I accurately understood what was being said, I asked for clarification. Unfortunately, the response I received confirmed what I suspected—a belief in many definitions of God and many ways to God. Why is this so important?

Because, as Christians we believe the Bible leaves no room for doubt that God is not defined by who we want Him to be, but by His own unchangeable nature. The Bible clearly reveals Jesus to be Emmanuel, God with us, who came as the only perfect sacrifice capable of saving us from our sin and restoring our relationship with the Father. Jesus made this bold statement: “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me” (John 14:6). It really does matter what we believe. The Gospel is good news precisely because salvation is about God’s grace, not our performance or goodness.

I speak to Christian grandparents everywhere about the importance of intentionally leaving a legacy of faith that matters. I want my grandchildren to walk in the truth, so I must also walk in the truth. I would be a fool to say to them, “You must find out what truth is for you,” because truth is true, whether we believe it or not.

Though my grandchildren must choose whether or not they will believe the truth, I must choose to speak the truth as often as I can. The apostle Paul clearly stated that means telling them of several ‘first importance’ truths, the absence of which would render our faith meaningless and useless. What are those essential truths we must address?

1. That Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures;
2. That He was buried, and that He was raised from the dead according to the Scriptures;
3. That He appeared to many witnesses, including Paul.

If, as a grandparent, I don’t live under the grace of God in Christ, then I cannot tell them of the hope of Christ through grace. If I do not treasure Christ above all else, I cannot show them the joy and freedom of treasuring Christ. If I do not put into practice the commands of Jesus to love one another, I cannot influence them to do the same. If I do not believe the Bible is God’s Word, I cannot show them the truth.

Being intentional is one thing. Being intentional about what really matters is another. I can only give what I already have. I cannot give what I do not have.

So, grandparents, what do you have to give to your grandchildren, and their children after them? The question Jesus asked His disciples, “Who do you say I am?” is the same question you and I must answer. If the answer is, “You are the Christ—God in the flesh and my Salvation”, then I have something worth giving that will outlive me for eternity. There is no greater joy than to know my grandchildren are walking in the truth in which I also walk.

GRANDPAUSE: If you have not chosen the Kingdom of God first, it will in the end make no difference what you have chosen instead. –William Law