Leaving a Legacy

The Powerful Role of Grandparents

Few roles carry as much long-term influence as that of a grandparent. Whether you see your grandkids often or only a few times a year, your influence still matters!

As a grandparent, you offer a different kind of voice, one that often carries less pressure and creates more meaningful moments. Not having to worry about the daily pressures of parenting, you can be more relational. While your children might not have listened when they lived under your roof, your grandchildren are often more eager to hear what you have to say. Even when you are simply echoing what their parents have already told them, your voice still matters.

Your role has changed, but your influence has not disappeared. It has shifted. Your adult children still need your wisdom and encouragement. No longer a rebellious teenager or young adult, they are more willing to listen to what you have to say. This gives you the opportunity to support and direct them, making an impact on their lives and on those of your grandchildren. While it is important to respect their role as the parent (and never overstep or try to run their lives), you can still offer much-needed support and encouragement.

You may no longer be the primary voice in their home (or in their lives), but you are still an important one. Continue to model the faith before them and point them to Jesus. This role never changes.

In fact, your role as a spiritual influence over your family has only expanded! You now have the chance to lead and guide your grandchildren as well. How do you do so? It is quite simple.

• Read the Bible together.

• Pray with them.

• Talk about God when they are at your house.

• Ask meaningful questions to spark conversation.

• Share stories of God’s faithfulness in your life.

These simple moments will leave lasting impressions on your entire family. Although my grandparents have all passed away, I can vividly remember my Grandma reading Bible stories to us before bed whenever we spent the night at their house. Your influence matters!

Scripture reminds us of the power of generational faith.

I recall your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and now, I am convinced, is in you also… But as for you, continue in what you have learned and firmly believed. You know those who taught you, and you know that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. - 2 Timothy 1:5; 3:14-15

Grandparents have the opportunity to leave a lasting legacy of faith that will extend beyond their children to future generations.

So what can you do?
Be present. Be intentional. Point them to Jesus.

Be mindful not to overwhelm your children or take over their role as parents. Allow them to do the work of discipleship within their own home. But you still have a wonderful opportunity to support them as they lead their kids, gently encouraging them and pointing them to Jesus.

While you may not always see the impact, God is faithful. He will use your faithfulness in ways that will last far beyond today for many generations to come.

Next Week: The Simplicity of Prayer