We will not hide these truths from our children;

   we will tell the next generation

about the glorious deeds of the Lord,

   about his power and his mighty wonders. (NLT)

How has the generation before you shaped who you are, the way you live your life, or what you believe? Have you had an impact on the next generation after yours?

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Whether you are actively trying to have an impact on the next generation or not, you are likely creating some effect. Even if we intentionally don’t speak directly into the lives of the next generation, they are still watching, listening, and being shaped by the way you live your life, the words you say, and even the absence of both. You may be 10 years old or 100, but there is someone looking up to you, and you also have been influenced by someone else.  

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Could it be that an appropriate question to ask is not if we are impacting the generations, but how? Do we speak life or death? When we are gone, will there be a legacy of a life worth living? Do we pass on hope or despair? Do we make the name of Jesus known?

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If you have come to know what a deep and meaningful relationship with Jesus is, don’t you want the generations to come to know that too? I’m sure that you have heard that the truth will set you free; think about how the truth can also set others free!

In today’s Scripture, we are reminded not to hide truth from the next generation but to share God’s glory, his power, and his mighty wonders. It’s imperative that we let others, the next generation included, know the work that Jesus has done in our own lives, the hope that he brings, and the truth of the gospel.

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I have personally been impacted by others sharing stories of God’s faithfulness in many ways, but what really hits home for me is hearing how God really does provide peace when it doesn’t make sense. In my own times of deep despair when it seemed like there would be no hope, I called on the name of Jesus and he reminded me that he had been beside me the entire time. This drew me into a relationship with the Lord as I experienced my own stories of his goodness. Now here I am, sharing with you.  

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And the Lord wants to use your life to speak to others too. Whether you said yes to Jesus five minutes ago, or you’ve been living for him all your life, you have a story that’s worth sharing.

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So, what might this look like in your life? Is it telling your children about the ways Jesus has met you in the midst of life’s messiness? It could be boldly sharing your testimony with a coworker. Or maybe it’s living your life fully trusting God and inviting others in to see how real and present he is.  

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What if you started by reflecting on how the generation before you influenced your faith. How could your impact on the generations change if you asked yourself this question today: “Am I making the name of Jesus known? Am I speaking hope and life to others?”

Lord, I am so thankful for those before me that told the stories of your faithfulness. I am thankful for all of the ways that you reveal who you are to me in the most tangible ways. Please help me to share your goodness, kindness, love, mercy, and grace with those around me so that they are spurred on in their relationship with you. You are the One who cares more deeply about us than we could ever fathom.  In Jesus’ mighty name, from where all my hopes come, Amen!