“Heritage of Faithfulness” is the theme of the 125th anniversary of Washington Christian Church in Washington, Kansas. That’s where Marilyn and I began our married life, and our mutual ministry, forty-seven years ago. Our two years there offered us a wonderful time of learning to depend on each other, and a great opportunity to learn what to expect as a preacher and his wife. Together we faced both challenges and victories, and we left with fond memories and good friends. We left Washington as relative newlyweds, went back as parents for the 100th anniversary of the church, and now are going back as grandparents for the 125th.
When I was asked to bring the communion meditation, and told of the theme, I started thinking about the heritage of faithfulness we’ve been privileged to be a part of. Both of us had Christian grandparents, and grew up in Christian homes. Now we have two children, a son and daughter-in-law, and six grandchildren who love the Lord and serve Him faithfully. The fact that we’ve been able to maintain that heritage of faithfulness brings us the greatest joy anyone can know.
It does, however, bring me great sadness when I realize not all Christian parents have the joy we have. Every child has the freedom to choose whether to serve the Lord or not, and Jesus warned us that faith in Him had the potential to divide even families. We have, however, also been told what we must do if we are to have even a chance of maintaining that heritage of faithfulness.
Obviously we bring our children with us to the Lord’s table on the Lord’s Day, and we make certain they receive the spiritual instruction that’s available within the body of believers. But we also make certain His presence is obvious within the home, and do as instructed in Deuteronomy 6. “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when your rise up.”
May God give us all the heart to do as commanded, and the grace needed to maintain the heritage of faithfulness.
God Bless,
Rick
Chatham Christian Church 