Top X July 12, 2025 Devotional
July 12, 2025
PSALM 78:4-7 | 4 We will not hide them from their children; we will tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might, and the wonders that he has done. 5 He established a decree in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach to their children; 6 that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and rise up and tell them to their children, 7 so that they should set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments.
Life has been and always will be generational, with one generation bringing a new one into life and understanding. But in the past, this task had some different aspects. In the ancient world, keeping and accessing records was very difficult, there were few manuscripts, fewer libraries, and no digitization. We live in the golden era for information storage and access, with unlimited data and nearly universal availability. Thus we can preserve insights across time. Previously everything human had to be passed on to children or it was in danger of being lost and forgotten.
However, I believe faith and civilization together still hang by a generational thread. While information can be preserved, values must be absorbed, internalized, and lived out or they will be functionally lost. Information can't replace purpose or displace revealed truths. Every parent knows the responsibility of shaping their child's fundamental worldview and basic beliefs. Each enters the world with no moral, spiritual, or intellectual concepts.
What is parenting to you?
Gracious God,
Remind us of our generational vulnerability, and help us be good stewards of truth and knowledge for the young and emerging.
Amen.
