Read Deuteronomy 6:6-7
In the time of Joshua, the people of Israel had witnessed God’s power firsthand—through miracles, deliverance, and fulfilled promises. They crossed the Jordan on dry ground, conquered Jericho by faith, and settled in the land God had given them. However, the next generation—described in Judges—“did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel” (Judges 2:10, NKJV). One generation’s faith was not passed down effectively, and the result was spiritual decline, confusion, and rebellion.
This pattern is not just historical—it is happening again in our time.
Today’s generation is growing up in a world full of distractions and influences that can pull them away from the truth of God’s Word. Social media, entertainment, materialism, peer pressure, misinformation, and even academic ideologies often compete for their attention and shape their worldview. Many children and youth are growing up without a clear understanding of who God is, what He has done, and why it matters.
If faith is not intentionally and consistently taught, modeled, and lived out in our homes and communities, it will easily be replaced by the louder voices of the culture.
As Christian parents, mentors, and church leaders, we are called to actively and faithfully pass on the truth of God’s Word to the next generation. It is not enough to hope they will figure it out—we must teach, live, and model the faith daily.
There are many ways to pass on the faith, but here are 5 A’s to help guide and focus our efforts as Christian families and mentors
- Acknowledge God’s Faithfulness
Psalm 145:4
“One generation shall praise Your works to another, and shall declare Your mighty acts.”
Joshua demonstrated this through a physical act of remembrance:
Joshua 4:5–7
“And Joshua said to them: ‘Cross over before the ark of the Lord your God into the midst of the Jordan, and each one of you take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, that this may be a sign among you when your children ask in time to come, saying, “What do these stones mean to you?” Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord; when it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be for a memorial to the children of Israel forever.’”
Application:
- Share stories of God’s faithfulness and answered prayers in your family.
- Celebrate milestones that reflect God’s guidance and provision.
- Keep a family journal of testimonies as reminders of His goodness.
- Align Your Actions with Your Words
James 1:22
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
Children learn not only by listening but by observing. Our actions must reinforce what we teach them.
Application:
- Live out your faith consistently at home and in public.
- Be honest about your failures; model repentance and humility.
- Let your children see you praying, reading Scripture, and worshiping sincerely.
- Actively Teach God’s Word
Deuteronomy 6:6–7
“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”
Joshua modeled this by making sure the entire community heard God’s Word:
Joshua 8:34–35
“And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessings and the cursings, according to all that is written in the Book of the Law. There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded which Joshua did not read before all the assembly of Israel, with the women, the little ones, and the strangers who were living among them.”
Application:
- Set aside time for regular family devotions and Bible reading.
- Teach biblical principles through everyday moments.
- Memorize Scripture together and discuss its meaning.
- Admit Your Dependence on God
Proverbs 3:5
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.”
Dependence on God is not weakness—it’s a powerful testimony.
Application:
- Pray openly with your children, showing that you rely on God daily.
- Share your struggles and how you trust God in them.
- Teach them to seek God’s wisdom in decisions big and small.
- Anchor Your Family in Worship
Psalm 127:1
“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.”
Worship is not just for church—it’s for daily life.
Application:
- Incorporate worship naturally at meals, bedtime, and family gatherings.
- Attend church together and serve as a family.
- Play worship music and sing hymns at home to focus your hearts on God.
Proverbs 22:6
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
Passing on faith is not a one-time conversation—it’s a daily lifestyle. As we walk with God and live out His Word, we plant seeds of faith that will flourish in the hearts of our children.
Bro. Rodney Maligaya
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