Grandparents Can Make a Grand Impact

by Brian Bill
Published October 4, 2007

(This is the text from a message delivered by Pastor Brian at Pontiac Christian School in honor of Grandparent's Day 2004 at PCS.)

I love listening to the interaction that takes place between grandparents and grandkids.

A granddaughter was sitting on her grandpa’s lap as he read the story of Noah’s Ark. When he was finished, she looked up at him and said, “Were you in the Ark, Grandpa?” He chuckled, and replied, “Why, no I wasn’t.” After a long pause, the child looked at him quizzically and asked, “Then why weren’t you drowned?”

A grandson was visiting his grandma one day when he said, “Grandma, do you know how both you and God are alike?” The grandma mentally polished her halo and asked, “No, honey, how are we alike?” The boy blurted out, “You’re both old!”

Two young brothers spent the night at their grandparents’ house. Before they went to sleep, they knelt beside their bed to say their prayers. The younger started shouting real loud, “I pray for a new bicycle, I pray for a new basketball, and I pray for a new PlayStation.” The older brother cut him off and said, “Hey, what are you doing? God’s not deaf.” To which the younger one replied, “Oh, I know, but Grandpa doesn’t hear too well.”

A grandmother was surprised by her 7-year-old grandson one morning when he made her a cup of coffee. She could barely gulp it down because it tasted so terrible. When she got to the bottom of the cup, she saw three of those little green army men staring back at her. She turned to her grandson and asked, “Honey, what are the army men doing in my coffee?” To which he replied, “Grandma, I heard a commercial on TV that says, the best part of waking up is soldiers in your cup!”

Welcome to Grandparent’s Day at Pontiac Christian School! While you won’t find any soldiers in your coffee cup, we do hope that you will feel honored today because you are truly “grand” parents in our eyes. Did you know that most of the famous people in the Bible were grandparents? I’d like to make four points this morning to show that God is into grandparents.

1. Grandparents can rejoice. Psalm 128:6: “And may you live to see your children’s children.” One grandma commented, “If I had to do it all over again, I’d just bypass children and have grandchildren.” In a book called, “The Grandmother Conspiracy,” Lewis Coffin writes: “A soon as a person becomes a grandparent he or she undergoes a radical personality change – stern fathers become cooing grandfathers; mothers melt and crawl on the floor, sing lullabies, and cram cookers down their sweet grandchildren’s throats…and raise a terrible fuss if anyone tries to interfere.”

2. Grandchildren are a reward. Proverbs 17:6: “Children’s children are a crown to the aged…” One of the best examples of grandkids being a reward is found in the Book of Ruth, where a question is asked, “Is a baby on the day of its birth more a child or a grandchild?” This book votes for grandparents. The story of Ruth is really a romance between Boaz and Ruth. When they finally get married, and have a child, their whole life is wrapped up rapidly in 4:13.

Interestingly, it’s the grandma that’s congratulated more than the parents in verses 14-15: “The women said to Naomi: ‘Praise be to the LORD, who this day has not left you without a kinsman-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.” The parents don’t show up again in the story. It’s like what Dale Rogers said, “If you want to establish a warm bond with your grandchildren, get rid of the parents.”

Notice that this boy, who eventually became the grandfather of King David, would renew Naomi’s life. Someone put it this way: “Your children may have kept you poor, but their children will make you rich.”

#1, Grandparents can rejoice. #2, Grandchildren are a reward. And, #3…

3. Grandparents can reinvigorate their grandkids. One of the best kings God’s people ever had was a man named Hezekiah. Hezekiah’s dad was Ahaz, one of the worst kings. But, he had a grandfather named Jotham who filled in the gap. Hezekiah took after his grandpa and not his dad. The glory of Grandparents is that they can fill in the gap. That’s exactly what many of you are doing for your own grandkids. Even if one generation goes astray, the next generation can be brought back through the godly influence of grandparents. Someone has said that it’s a mystery how a boy who is not good enough for your daughter can father such marvelous children and a girl unworthy of your son can bear such brilliant beings as your grandchildren.

Are you reinvigorating your grandkids?

You can rejoice because grandchildren are a reward. You also have the opportunity to reinvigorate them. And, most importantly, #4…

4. Grandparents can reach their grandkids for Christ. I’d like to introduce you to a young woman named Eunice. She was raised in a religious home and was greatly impacted by her mother Lois. She loved to learn the stories from the Bible when she was young and enjoyed going to services where she could learn about God.

After getting married, Eunice and her husband had a baby boy who they named Timothy. In the meantime, Eunice’s dad had died so they asked her mother Lois to come and live with them. Little Timmy was a delight to everyone, especially to grandma. Both his mother and grandmother spent hours with him, teaching him the stories of the Old Testament, praying with him and for him, and training him in the things of God. While they didn’t have any Veggie Tale videos or Pontiac Christian School, they created a spiritual environment where tiny Tim could flourish.

Then, one day, a preacher named Paul came to their town and spoke about a man named Jesus. Both Lois and Eunice listened intently. They saw in Jesus the fulfillment of all the promises in the Old Testament and placed their trust in Him and were converted. These new believers in turn focused on teaching Timothy about Jesus. We know from reading the book of Acts that Paul himself took a personal interest in Tim the teenager and, partnering with his mother and grandmother, led him to saving faith.

There are three ways that grandparents can make a grand impact in the lives of grandkids.

1 – Instill a Respect for Scripture

A grandparent can make an impact first, by instilling within grandchildren a respect for Scripture.

2 Timothy 3:15: “And how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.” In the manner of devout Israelites, grandmother Lois and mother Eunice taught the Holy Scriptures to Timothy from the very beginning. The word “infancy” in some passages refers to a newborn baby or a toddler. That’s why we offer both a 3-year and 4-year preschool. Lois and Eunice teamed up to provide high-powered Bible classes for young Timothy – even before he could crawl! They read to him, they talked about Samson and Samuel, David and Ruth, Abraham and Noah. They did everything they could to provide Timothy with the opportunity to learn all he could about the Bible.

Grandparents, it is never too early to start teaching the Bible to your grandchildren – and, it’s never too late to start if you haven’t already. There is nothing that can replace your role in your child’s life. PCS is your partner to help the Scriptures come alive in your grandkids.

Four scholars were arguing over Bible translations. One said he preferred the King James Version because of its beauty and eloquent old English. Another said he liked the New American Standard Version for its literalism and how it moves the reader from passage to passage with confident feelings of accuracy. The third scholar was sold on the New Living Translation for its use of contemporary phrases and idioms that capture the meaning of difficult ideas. After being quiet for a moment, the fourth scholar admitted: “I have personally preferred my grandparents’ translation.” When the other scholars started laughing, he said, “Yes, they translated the Scriptures into life and it is the most convincing translation I have ever read.”

Grandparents, what kind of Bible are your grandkids reading when they observe your life?

2 – Instill an Authentic Faith

The second way to make an impact in the lives of your grandkids is by instilling within them authentic faith. We see this in 2 Timothy 1:5: “I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.”

Even though Lois and Eunice were believers, Timothy needed to come to a point in which he put his faith in Christ. Faith is not hereditary, it is learned. At the same time, when grandparents and parents model genuine faith, an environment is set up whereby children will be motivated to want that same kind of faith.

The word, “sincere” related to faith means that it was “unhypocritical.” It was real, without any pretense or false façade. Faith had come and taken up residence in his mother’s heart and in his grandmother’s heart – and was now alive in his own life.

Notice the chain here: Lois to Eunice to Timothy. Grandparent to parent to child.

Grandparents, if you want to instill authentic faith in your grandchildren then take your own faith seriously. If you’re just going through the motions spiritually your grandkids will eventually see it, and tragically, may do the same thing when they are older. As you demonstrate your faith consistently by reading the Bible, praying, attending worship, and by participating in the life and mission of PCS, you will send a strong message.

I heard recently about a pastor who had a long conversation with someone about becoming a member of his church. When he was done the young man said he was ready to join. The pastor was curious so he asked him, “What did I say that convinced you to join the church?” The man answered, “It was nothing I ever heard you say. It was the way my grandparents lived.”

Timothy’s family environment was fertile to his faith development. Both his mother and his grandmother held their faith deeply and shared it freely. How fertile is the environment in your family for the reproduction and the nurturing of authentic faith in the lives of your children and grandchildren? Are you passing along a legacy of authentic faith?

3 – Instill a Desire to Minister

The third way to impact your children is to instill within them a desire to minister. After Paul preached in Lystra, and Timothy was converted, he returned a short while later. Let’s pick up the story in Acts 16:1-3: “He came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was a Jewess and a believer, but whose father was a Greek. The brothers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of him. Paul wanted to take him along on the journey…” I see some qualities in Timothy that were no doubt passed down from his parents and grandparents.

1. First of all, he was a strong believer. He is referred to as a disciple. Luke, the author of Acts, could have referred to him as a believer or a Christian, but he chose to call him a disciple. A disciple is a learner and a follower. A disciple was one who was serious about Christ, not just one who was going through the motions. That’s what we’re trying to accomplish at PCS.

2. Second, he had a good reputation. The believers in the area spoke well of him. People knew him as a man of integrity and as a man of the Word. He was rock solid. Again, this had a lot to do with his mother and grandmother.

3. Third, he was available. Paul wanted to take him along on the journey. As you continue to read the Book of Acts, you’ll see that Timothy was eager to minister. He knew it meant leaving home and he knew it meant facing hardship.

When Paul stopped in Lystra a second time, he enlisted Timothy to be his special assistant to replace John Mark. Paul refers to Timothy as his “beloved son” in 1 Corinthians 4:17 and in 1 Timothy 1:2, he calls him his “own son in the faith.” In Philippians 2:20, Paul can’t think of anyone like Timothy when he writes: “I have no one else like him, who takes a genuine interest in your welfare.” Paul thought very highly of Timothy and couldn’t wait to unleash him for ministry. We feel that same way about your grandkids.

Grandparents, part of your job is to instill a respect for the Bible, another responsibility is to instill an authentic faith. But these two elements are only preliminary for the most important job you have – that of instilling within your grandchildren a desire to minister. Our kids are to learn the Bible and grow in their faith so that they can become difference-makers in their world. So they can share their faith with others. So they can minister in the church and in their school. So they can serve those who are hurting. So they can serve as missionaries. So they can identify their spiritual gifts and use them on a regular basis.

Pastor Jeff spoke at a Senior Banquet several years ago. He did a masterful job of challenging the high school seniors. This was his main point: “Seniors, you’ve been served by your parents, by your teachers, and by your pastors. It’s now time to take up the towel and serve others. It’s time to take up the towel.” He then handed each parent a towel, and each parent in turn, passed it along to their teenager, symbolizing that it’s now time for them to minister to others. A 9 year old girl has written this description of a grandmother, and it has become a classic. “A grandmother is a lady who has no children of her own, so she likes other people’s little girls. A grandfather is a man grandmother. He goes for walks with the boys and they talk about fishing and tractors and stuff like that. Grandmas don’t have to do anything except be there. They’re old, so they shouldn’t play hard or run. It is enough if they drive us to the market where the pretend horse is and have lots of dimes ready. Or if they take us for walks, they should slow down past things like pretty leaves or caterpillars. They should never ever say ‘hurry up.’

They can take their teeth out and gums off. They don’t have to be smart, only answer questions like why dogs hate cats and how come God isn’t married. When they read to us they don’t skip, or mind if it is the same story again. Everybody should try to have one, especially if you don’t have television, because grandparents are the only grown ups who have got time.”

I want to close with a story.

Pappy was a pleasant fellow. His face was quite drawn from age, but when he smiled, even his wrinkles seemed to smile with him. Pappy owned a pawnshop. Everyone who knew him respected and adored him. There was a room in the back of his shop where he spent time tinkering with his own precious items. He referred to the back room as “Memory Hall.” In it were pocket watches, clocks, and electric trains. Pappy enjoyed spending time in Memory Hall. Sometimes, he would close his eyes to relive a sweet, simple childhood memory. One day, Pappy was reassembling an old railroad lantern. As he polished his lantern, he heard the bell on the shop door. The bell had been in Pappy’s family for over a hundred years. He cherished it dearly. Pappy left Memory Hall to greet his customer. At first, he didn’t see anyone. His customer was shorter than the counter. Pappy said, “How can I help you?” The little girl looked at Pappy with her big brown eyes, and then slowly scanned the room in search of something special. She said, “I’d like to buy a present for my grandpa. But I don’t know what to get.” Pappy began to make suggestions. “How about a pocket watch? It’s in good condition. I fixed it myself,” he said. The little girl didn’t answer. Finally, she walked to the door. She wiggled the door gently to ring the bell. The little girl smiled with excitement. “This is just right,” the little girl bubbled. “Momma says grandpa loves music.” Just then, Pappy knew what she wanted, his bell. He didn’t want to break the little girl’s heart. “I’m sorry, but that’s not for sale. Maybe your grandpa would like a radio.” The little girl looked at the radio and sighed, “No, I don’t think so.” In an effort to help her understand, Pappy told her the story of how the bell had been in his family for many years and that was why he didn’t want to sell it. The little girl said, “I guess I understand. Thank you, anyway.” Suddenly, Pappy thought of how the rest of the family was gone—that was, except for his estranged daughter whom he had not seen in a decade. Pappy thought, why not pass the bell on to someone who would share it with a loved one. He said, “I’ve decided to sell the bell.” The little girl, said, “Oh, thank you. Grandpa will be so happy.” Pappy felt good about helping the child even though he knew he would miss the bell. Later that evening, Pappy prepared to close up shop. He found himself thinking about the bell. He thought about the child and wondered if her grandpa liked the gift. He knew that any grandfather would cherish anything from such a precious grandchild. Just then, as he turned off the lights in Memory Hall, Pappy thought he heard his bell. But, he knew that was ridiculous, he had sold his bell. In a minute, he heard the bell again. He turned toward the door and there stood the little girl. She was ringing the bell and smiling. Pappy was puzzled, “What’s this? Have you changed your mind?” “No,” she grinned. “Momma says it’s for you.” Before Pappy had time to say another word, the child’s mother stepped into the doorway. Choking back her tears, she said, “Hello, Dad.” Grandparents, the bell is ringing for you today. You have a unique opportunity…

Grandparents can rejoice

Grandchildren are a reward

Grandparents can reinvigorate their grandkids

Grandparents can reach their kids for Christ

- By instilling a respect for Scripture
- By instilling authentic faith
- By instilling a desire to minister

Grandparents, you will eventually leave a legacy and the life you choose to live now will have a “grand” impact on those who follow you. The bell’s ringing for you…will you answer the call?

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