| Throughout
the Bible, God uses many rich word pictures to
express important life principles. One is the analogy
of a potter and clay representing God and His children.
"But now, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the
clay, and You our potter; and all we are the work of Your
hand" (Isaiah 64:8). From the beginning, the
potter has in mind what he wants to make. The clay must
be prepared and purified before it is put on the potter's
wheel. It must be worked to become pliable and its molecules
"awakened" so it won't stiffen up and become
breakable. Shaping the clay requires the turning and tension
of the spinning wheel, but it is the potter's hands that
transform the lump into vessels for different functions.
If the potter removes his hands and walks away, the wheel
continues spinning and the clay loses its shape.
God is both Father and Potter,
already at work shaping your children (and their parents!).
His gracious plan includes you in the awesome process.
Is it really possible to shape a generation? To significantly
influence its values and direction? Some speculate that
culture exerts the primary influence on a generation.
Although teachers, coaches, grandparents and friends
will significantly influence your children's lives,
God intends for parents to fulfill this role. By faith,
you can raise your children in any cultural or political
climate. Parents have the overwhelming but fulfilling
challenge of "awakening" and preparing their
children-and placing them in God's hands to be fashioned
as He desires. We don't know who our children are meant
to be in their generation, but parents with god's vision
can raise children with vision. He already knows their
unique purpose within their generation. It is your calling—and
ours—to help this generation of children discover
the unique and wondrous plans their heavenly Father
has for their lives. Plans for hope. Plans for His glory.
"This will be written
for the generation to come, That a people yet to be
created may praise the Lord" (Psalm 102:18).
Find out more about how to host a Shaping The Next Generation Conference in your church or community in our Conferences section.
To order Shaping The Next Generation resources, check our Resources section.
|
