Passing the baton to the next generation is an essential aspect of our Christian walk. Psalms 71:18 says “So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come“ We can’t hand off something we ourselves are not carrying, so it is important to recognize areas where we fall short and allow God to finish His work in us. If we seek after Him, He promises to finish what He started. Keep in mind that an inheritance of virtue has greater value than one of money or property alone. Wisdom tells us this:
Wisdom is good with an inheritance, an advantage to those who see the sun. For the protection of wisdom is like the protection of money, and the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the life of him who has it. Ecclesiastes 7:11-12
Blessed is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold. She is more precious than jewels, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Proverbs 3:13-15
There has been an erosion of virtues in our generation. Even the simple virtue of kindness seems to have disappeared from many people. Why is this happening? I could come up with a few reasons. The breakdown of the family unit, the current education system, disrespect for authority, entitlement, selfishness, laziness, hopelessness are a few things that come to mind.
We understand that all good virtues emanate from God Himself. We don’t have to go much further than to look at the life of Jesus since He embodies virtue. God is not asking us to do something He has not already done. It is His desire to see His children walking in righteousness, being transformed into the image of His son Jesus so that He would be glorified and we would live a fruitful life.
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
Let’s take a quick look at some virtues that we pray we can hand off to the next generation.
Kindness
Sometimes we look at kindness as an option and not a virtue. We are kind to those we like and unkind to those we don’t like. This attitude is not one we want to pass on as it falls short of God’s heart for others as well as ourselves. We are not talking about flattery either, but true kindness that comes from the heart of a transformed life. You can be kind while still telling the truth. There is no need to water down the truth for the sake of kindness although we are exhorted to speak the truth in love. It was the kindness of God when Jesus rebuked the religious leaders. I’m sure He was hoping that they would repent since His heart is that all should come to repentance. We may look at it as harsh but it is the kindness of God that leads people to repentance. (see Romans 2:4) This a good reason we should express kindness to everyone. God can use our kindness to lead others to repentance.
Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Colossians 3:12-13
Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God's kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise, you too will be cut off. Romans 11:22
Love
I wonder what goes through the minds of people in this generation when you speak about love. We abuse this word so much in our society that its true meaning has gotten lost. They are usually equating love to a romantic love or sensual love. In Christian circles many often use the term love as a cliché without understanding its true meaning.
So what does love really mean? Love has more to do with your response and relationship to others than it does with feeling. One can say “I love you” and really think they mean it but still treat you terribly. Others can tell you how much you mean to them but when a disagreement arises they separate themselves. Is that love? Absolutely not! Let’s not deceive ourselves into thinking that we can talk our way into love. Genuine love has more to do with attitudes and actions than what we say. Here is a list from 1Corinthians 13:4-8 on genuine love.
Being patient
Being kind
Not envying
Not boasting
Not arrogant
Not rude
Not insisting on its own way
Not irritable
Not resentful
Does not rejoice at wrongdoings
Rejoices in the Truth
Bears all things
Hopes all things
Endures all things
Never fails
This is an example of how God views love. The list has much more to do with our character than our feelings. I don’t usually care for lists because it could wrongly encourage people to use it as a checklist for being right with God. Remember that without the love of God being poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit we would not be able to do anything on this list in a genuine way. We love because God loved us first. This virtue of love is crucial to pass on to the next generation. God says that in the end times the love of many will grow cold. Let’s not allow this to happen within our sphere of influence and on our watch.
The aim of our charge is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. 1 Timothy 1:5
…to be continued in next post
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