“And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” Matthew 28:18-20 (KJV)
Everyone has probably seen the bumper sticker that boldly proclaims: American by birth Southern by the grace of God. This statement got me thinking recently as I was preparing to give a devotional for the Sunday morning worship at our church.
For a span of 13 years, our family lived and ministered in Canada – from Quebec to Ontario to Alberta. Our son and daughter were just beginning school when the Lord called us to go there. After a few years in the Canadian culture, I became concerned that my children were losing their heritage – not only as Alabamians and Southerners, but as Americans. For many years when we would travel “home” for vacations, I would “school” Jonathan and April in the American pledge of allegiance, because I wanted them to know some of the foundation of their heritage. I wanted my children to know they were Southerners. I wanted them to say “yes ma’m/no ma’m” to their grandmothers and “yes sir/no sir” to their grandfathers. Whatever our failures may be, we Southerners insist on respect for our elders. And, this cultural training became a ritual for the first two hundred miles of our trips home. April and Jonathan didn’t just need to be taught, there were things already taught that they needed to observe. They needed to be reminded regularly. I wanted them to be proud of who they are and their heritage – both Southern and American.
Proverbs 22:6 teaches us: “train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” This is excellent wisdom for the home and for the Church. Young believers need to be taught who they are in Christ. They need us to support them with our prayer and our teaching so they understand their Christian heritage. They may never talk Southern or American. They may come from entirely different cultures and countries, but they need to know that they are a part of God’s Kingdom. They need to know that He created them and gave them life! They must be taught that Jesus loves them; that they can cast all their care on Him because He cares for them. We must teach them that He is our rock, our fortress, our deliverer, our God, and our strength. They must be reminded that God is someone they can trust. He is their shield, their strong tower, and their redeemer. They need to know that God’s people are the apple of his eye. They must be reminded regularly that as His children, we can call on Him in times of need, in times of distress, and He will hear our cries and respond to our prayers.
While they may never enjoy baseball, eat apple pie, or say y’all come back; they must be taught to observe all things that Christ commanded. Perhaps their focus may need to be redirected. In this life, their birth determines their culture, nationality, and most of their individuality, BUT they are saved by the grace of God. This will determine their eternal culture and nationality.
Dear Father, thank you for our heritage in you. Grant that we may observe all that you have taught us through Christ. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today as you observe all things Christ commanded,
Mrs. Bobbie Smith