John Wesley said, “What one generation tolerates, the next generation will embrace.” He was referring to sin. And we have seen this play out throughout history. But I’d like to look at it from a different perspective.
Children are always listening to, watching, and imitating adults. And they often follow any example they’re shown. Kids from violent homes are more likely to become violent. Children of alcoholics are more likely to have the same problem.
Importance of the home atmosphere
The atmosphere in which a child is raised is crucial. It tends to rub off on them. So if we raise a child in a critical, judgmental, or gossipy atmosphere, how is he or she likely to turn out?
I watched this play out in my daughter’s family. Not the gossip or the criticism. But the way they picked up on things. When they were young, our grandchildren used words that were too big for them. They learned them from their parents and older siblings.
Surely we all want to raise loving children. Kids who care about others and treat them with kindness. Respectful and a pleasure to be around. So let’s remember Wesley’s wisdom. “What one generation tolerates, the next generation will embrace.”
The next generation
But it’s also true that what one generation embraces, the next may embrace even more.
SO WHAT IF… we commit ourselves more wholeheartedly to loving as Christ did?
WHAT IF… we learned to give up our rights, instead of getting angry when wronged or slighted?
WHAT IF… we prayed and read God’s Word with more zeal than we give to our jobs and hobbies?
WHAT IF… we focused on using more of our finances for God’s work? Spreading the Good News and helping the poor, widows and orphans?
WHAT IF… we tamed our tongues so that gentleness became an automatic response?
WHAT IF… we became known for showing love, mercy, and patience, even to our enemies?
WHAT IF… others started to see us as people who practice what we preach?
WHAT IF… we hungered and thirsted so much for justice, righteousness, and a pure heart that it turns our lives upside down?
Even to the point of moving to a poor neighborhood just to help the needy? Or preparing our spare room for an unwed mother. Or downsizing our house so we can help others.
What one generation truly embraces, the next will embrace even more.
What one generation embraces, the next might embrace even more.
For better or worse, children follow the example of adults. So as parents, grandparents, or anyone who interacts with them, let’s be careful about what we do and say. Children pick it up, and are likely to act on it.
What we do and say leaves a much much deeper legacy than we can even imagine!
Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.
Proverbs 22:6
So true. We saw so many disheartening things come thru camp this summer. We are in desperate need of hearts after the Lord.
Oh my Linda, I can only imagine the heartbreaking situations you glimpse. But I praise the Lord that you are there with the kids, working hard to make an impact. Know that I uphold you and the camp in my prayers. Keep on with the good work!!
You’ve given us high goals to achieve for the sake of our children. But the result will be worth it, when they exemplify the godly behavior we’ve tried to model and teach during their growing years. You’re so right: We grandparents must share in the responsibility too!
You’re so right, Nancy, it is a high bar for parents and all who work with kids, including us grandparents. And one which I realize we can never fully achieve. Yet with the Lord’s help we can at least grow closer and closer to it – knowing that even a little progress can make a big difference. May the Lord help us day by day!
Amen, my friend!
Wonderful, wise advice!
Thanks Jennifer! I hope it serves as an encouragement to parents. And helps us all to work at being a good example for the kids in our lives or that we know. It’s so important and counts for eternity!
It absolutely does. There’s no way to adequately articulate just how extremely important!
Very, very true!
<3
I agree Mrs. Sheila and I love this post. Sometimes, children will see what adults do and will mimic them.
But like you said, we need to whether as parents or as siblings, we need to make sure that the next generation doesn’t repeat the same mistakes.
I think that John Wesley quote fits well with the scripture in Proverbs.
Indeed his quote does match Proverbs well, Sir. He was a man of wisdom! May the Lord help us to be good examples!
What if? we lived as you stated…then the world would begin to see Christ living in us and they too along with our children would embrace Him. Good word.
Good point! It would make a difference in so many ways!! May the Lord help us put it into action!
Amen.
Very true! God give this generation a hunger for Him and His righteousness.
Yes, yes, yes…and may it be because they first see it in us!!
Amen! Living life God’s way of love and service will solve many problems. We are to be the light to this dark world. Thanks for sharing!
Yes, may our lights always shine brightly!!
AMEN! Great post!
Thank you. I want to leave behind that kind of legacy. May the Lord grant me grace to walk with him in it!!
Amen! Great post!😀
Thank you Laura! That would be such an awesome legacy to leave! May the Lord help me do it!!
Wonderful post Sheila. I think you have just found the solution to all of the violence going on in the US. What I’ve heard of this latest school shooting is that this young man was shunned his classmates. No one really reached out to him and he was a loner. If I had applied what you said I doubt this would have happened. I doubt it would have happened in any of the shootings going on.
Be blessed
I’m sure it would help. God’s Word and his principles change hearts and lives. And that can even change society!!