The Fade

I have seen a post going around called “4 Generation Fade.” Maybe you have seen it, also. It basically says that Generation One does not make church a high priority for their kids. Those kids, in turn, grow up and make church less of a priority for their kids. Those kids grow up and make church no priority for their kids, and lastly those kids grow up with no concept of God. Finally, it ends with the thought that priorities today impact generations. While I do not believe this is a blueprint that occurs every time, I do believe there is truth in the message it is trying to get across. That is why I am writing the article. The truth is, I am raising/training one of the parents of my grandchildren. I want to do the best I can to raise my kids with a foundation built in God (Proverbs 22:6). I want to be praying about it because without God’s help, I cannot raise them right. I want to be teaching it not just carrying them somewhere to hear it. I want to be living it, and when I mess up, repent and try again. I know that children grow up and make their own choices, but I want to do the best I can to aim them in the right direction (Psalm 127:4).

What the post reminds me of is Judges 2:7-10. Israel served God all the days of Joshua and the elders who survived Joshua, but after their deaths a generation arose who did not know the LORD. I do not know how or why this generation did not know the LORD, but I know it is possible for a generation who does not know God to follow one that did. I want to follow the model of Lois, Eunice, and Timothy (2 Timothy 1:5). As a parent I want to be training my children that they might train my grandchildren, etc. as long as the Lord gives us. I want to spend eternity with as many of my family’s generations as He gives us. Don’t you?

Unclean

Matthew 15 is part of our reading this week. In the beginning of this chapter, we find the Pharisees and scribes questioning why Jesus’ disciples did not wash their hands when they ate bread. These Pharisees and scribes were so scared of being contaminated (by Gentiles?) that their elders had set up rules about washing when eating.  Jesus first responds by asking why they break the commandments of God. Which is worse? I hope we all understand that breaking God’s commandments is worse than breaking man’s rules.

Next, Jesus teaches that it is not what goes into the mouth (food) that causes us to be unclean but that which comes out of the mouth. Food that goes into the mouth is digested and eliminated, but what comes out of the mouth shows what is in our heart. The things that are in our heart (mind) find their way into our lives. That can come in the way we speak or act. Things like murder, adultery, and lying can show what is in our heart. We need to be careful about what we put into our heart (mind) because those things can come out in our life. Putting food in our bodies does not defile us, but what we watch, listen to, and participate in can put things in our heart that can defile us. As the song says, “O be careful little eyes what you see, o be careful little ears what you hear, o be careful little feet where you go, and o be careful little hands what you do.” I do not want a defiled heart that defiles my life and is unpleasing to Jesus.

The Pharisees and scribes were offended at Jesus’ teachings. Why? Probably because he had condemned some of their lifestyle. It is easy to get offended when I am confronted with wrong that I am doing, but what good does that do? If I get angry that someone tells me my answer to two plus two is five is wrong and refuse to fix it, I have made two mistakes. The second worse than the first. What will I do (you do) with Jesus’ teaching here?

25 Years

In January of 1999 I started my second semester at Freed Hardeman University. I was dating a young lady by the name of Tara Mears. We would be married later that year. Her mom realized that if I had a reason for coming back to Fairview every weekend, her daughter might have a reason for coming home every weekend. So Dovie (Tara’s mom) got us in touch with a small congregation nearby that needed a preacher. Well, they got me instead. I was working on trying to pursue preaching as a career, but I needed a lot of work. If you are keeping count, I have been preaching now for twenty-five years. That may not seem like a lot to some of you, but I have been preaching over half my life. That seems a little crazy to me.

I want to express my gratitude to all who have let me be their preacher. I needed the grace of those who heard me in the beginning, and I am still in need of grace by those who hear me today. I am a product of so many who have invested in me. That list includes Tara, my kids, teachers, elders, deacons, co-workers, church members, family, and friends. Thank you. As I study 1 Thessalonians 5 for my class tonight, I am reminded of what Paul said to the Thessalonians in verse 25, “Brethren, pray for us.” I hope that you will pray for me and my family as we labor for the Lord. One of the greatest blessing you can bestow on someone else is prayer.

I hope that in some way I have helped you on the road to heaven. I am not perfect nor am I everyone’s cup of tea, as they say, but I want you to know I desire you to be in heaven one day. I want to be there, and I want you to be there. I close with this summary. Thank you for all you have done for me, my family, and my ministry. Pray for me, my family, and my ministry. I want to see you in heaven. If I can help, please let me know.