Grandparenting carries a stigma. They are the fun people who take the grandchildren to the zoo, who buys them toys and ice cream, and then sends them home. In short, grandparenting is usually associated with spoiling the grandkids. But what does Scripture say about the role of a grandparent? Deut. 4:9 states, “Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children's children.” The last sentence is key. There is more to being a grandparent than fun. Grandparents have the blessed role of instructing their grandchildren in the ways of the Lord.

What God has done historically in the Bible and particularly in Jesus Christ is to be made known. And by making this known, grandparents are not only taking care of their own souls diligently, but they are seeking to do the same for their grandchildren. This includes the prophesied coming of Christ, the birth of Christ, the ministry of Christ, the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, the ascension of Christ, the mediatorial intercession of Christ, and one day the return of Christ. There is so much to remember and pass on about the grace and truth of our Lord Jesus.

Every grandparent situation will be unique but the heart of this command stands—do what you can to make known to your grandchildren the glorious riches of Jesus Christ. Don’t let retirement be marked by entertainment alone with your grandchildren; let it also, and primarily, be marked by biblical nourishment. Share Scripture with them. Pray with them. Sing God’s praises with them. They need to hear it from you and see it in you.

As a new believer, I was bothered by the idea that Christianity was for old people only. That it was something your grandmother did but the next generation evolved into something better. This is patently false; Christianity is a call for all people of every generation to come to the one and only Savior. It is the hope of true life, both now and forever.

Therefore, pass on the greatest truth your grandchildren will ever know. Peter says (Acts 2:39), “For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” How wonderful it must have been for young Timothy to hear and/or see the faith of his grandmother Lois (2 Tim. 1:5). Grandparents, you have the ability to impact your families for generations to come. Be diligent; stay faithful; be intentional. God is with you in Christ!