That Desperate Heartache

“But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren.” (Deuteronomy 4:9, NLT)

In my travels speaking to grandparents—especially in church settings—there’s one single issue that causes concern beyond any other.

For sure, we fret about our grandchildren regarding education, health, mental health, safety, screen time, relationships, and commitment to family. However, time and again, the greatest fear I hear from grandparents is the uncertainty of whether their grandchildren will be joining them in heaven.

Grandparents are acutely aware of what’s happening, both globally and in the lives of their grandchildren. Young people—even those who seemingly walked with Christ for years—are falling away from the church.

When it comes to delivering the gospel to your grandchildren, a long list of challenges comes to mind. Pushback from Mom and Dad. Limited time. Hesitation that grandkids will put up walls. Fear of using the wrong words. Feelings of unworthiness because of your own shortcomings and not wanting to seem hypocritical. Afraid they’ll ask questions you can’t answer.

All of which leaves you wondering, How can I best speak into the lives of my grandchildren? Let’s confirm three steps you must not miss.

One, be winsome. Commit to living in the light of the fruit of the Spirit. Not just to your grandkids, but to their mom and dad as well. You may have read, “Even if some refuse to obey the Good News, your godly lives will speak to them without any words. They will be won over by observing your pure and reverent lives” (1 Peter 3:1-2, NLT) In this passage Peter is speaking to wives about living with nonbelieving husbands, but I believe the principle applies to grandparents.

Two, pray. Pray for your grandkids by name. For hearts to open to the gospel. For Christian friends to come into their lives. For clear moments when you yourself can love on them and find an opening to share the most important news ever.

Which brings us to the most difficult challenge you have: Third, actually delivering the gospel. Your son or daughter and their spouse may have hinted or specifically asked you not to “preach” to their children. While honoring those wishes, seeds can still be planted. You can bear fruit in your own life. You can love on your grandchildren in ways that make them ask, “Papa, how come you’re so cool?” Or “Grammy, thanks for all you do.” That opens the door for you to simply respond to those curious and eager minds with your own nonpreachy answer: “That’s because I have Jesus in my life. Someday, I’ll tell you all about Him.” Then let the conversation flow naturally.

More than ever, your grandchildren (and their parents) need proof that salvation is worth the effort and that God is worthy of our devotion. They need to hear personal stories of how an authentic Christian faith makes a real difference in a real person’s life.

Grama and Gramps, you’re nominated.

WHAT ABOUT YOU?

If your adult children don’t get up every Sunday to go to church, please don’t punish yourself with guilt. If they made a sincere profession of faith in their youth, God can use that to draw them back to Him. If they fell in love with a nonbeliever and are unequally yoked, God can use that, too! As with your grandkids, commit to loving them first and foremost. There’s gospel power in your love and prayers.