Wed Inspiration

Morning Inspiration with Pastor Merritt

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good testimony." (Hebrews 11:1-2)

One of the most exciting events in the Olympics to me are the track and field relay races. It takes a combination of speed, timing, precision, and teamwork in order for a relay team to be victorious. But in a relay race the fastest team can lose if one thing happens; they fail to pass the baton.

Dr. James Dobson once said: “According to the Christian values which govern my life, my most important reason for living is to get the baton, the Gospel, safely in the hands of my children.” As a father and a pastor, I could not agree more with that statement. To see parents leave the teaching of faith to pastors, Sunday School leaders, or grandparents breaks my heart. Parents, if we are truly serious about our faith, it is a sin not to be intentional about teaching the truth of Christ to our children. It is critical that we pass the baton of our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ to the next generation.

One of the first truths that we must teach our children is that real life begins with faith in God. The author of Hebrews gives us the defining truth of faith. Read the passage above again. “Faith is the substance of things hoped for.” The word substance comes from the word "sub" in Latin and literally means, “something under you, upon which you stand,” or “something to stand on.” A good term for it is foundation. Faith is the foundation on which we must raise our children.

The world we live in today will teach our children not to believe in God. Our culture will teach them that God does not exist. Parents, teach your children to love God with all of their heart, soul and mind. Teach them to prayer earnestly and to read the Bible diligently. Be the example of a faithful follower of Jesus for them to emulate. Nothing we pass on to our children will be greater than faith in God. Let's give them our very best.