by Ken Canfield, Ph.D.
Your grandchildren are the missionaries you will send to a world you may never see.
That’s a big idea — but it isn’t a new one. Throughout Scripture, God has woven grandparents into His plan for passing faith, blessing, and wisdom from one generation to the next. Grandparenting isn’t an afterthought; it’s plays a significant role in how God works.
Here a few of the passages that have shaped my understanding of this calling.
Children — and Grandchildren — Are a Gift
Psalm 127:3 tells us that children are a gift from God. And Psalm 103:17 extends that blessing across generations:
“But from everlasting to everlasting the LORD’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children.”
One of my favorites is found in Proverbs:
“Children’s children are a crown to the aged, and parents are the pride of their children.” (Proverbs 17:6)
Clearly, God smiles on the grandparent-grandchild relationship. And for those of us who have been blessed to live long enough to see our grandchildren — and maybe even our great-grandchildren — that’s something to treasure. As Psalm 128:5-6 puts it: “May you live to see your children’s children.”
A Blessing with a Responsibility
This multi-generational blessing also comes with an expectation. Consider Abraham, who pleaded with God for an heir (Genesis 15:2). God responded with a vision that reached far beyond a single child:
“For I have chosen Abraham that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord, by doing what is right and just.” (Genesis 18:19)
And Moses challenged those who had been delivered from Egypt with this exhortation — one that extends to the next generation and beyond:
“Do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.” (Deuteronomy 4:9)
Moses knew that if the power of God was going to extend to future generations, it would require the entire family — including grandparents — to fulfill that plan.
Psalm 78 echoes this same vision:
“We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord, his power and the wonders he has done — so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born — and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God.” (Psalm 78:4-7)
That’s what it all comes down to, grandparents — passing on our faith, our values, and our heritage to our children and grandchildren.
Imperfect People, Faithful Legacy
If you’ve ever felt unqualified for this calling, take a look at Hebrews 11. That “faith hall of fame” is filled with imperfect people — people who stumbled, doubted, and made mistakes — yet stayed faithful to God. “By faith Abraham …” “By faith Noah …” “By faith Moses …”
God has always worked through ordinary, imperfect people who trusted Him. That includes us, and it can include our children and grandchildren, too — if we stay faithful and keep investing purposefully in them.
More than anything, I want my grandchildren to continue the legacy of faith for many generations to come. They are, after all,the missionaries we will send to a world we may never see.
What Scripture has shaped your vision for grandparenting? Share your thoughts on our Facebook page here.
