Teaching Our Grandchildren the Fear of the Lord
Lately, I’ve been thinking about the precious role my wife and I as grandparents have in shaping the spiritual lives of our grandchildren (and Great Grandchildren). Psalm 111:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding.” I realize more and more that this fear is not about being scared—it’s about holding a deep reverence for God’s holiness, power, and love. It’s the kind of awe that shapes a wise, obedient, and joyful heart.
I want our grandchildren to see Faith in Action, not just hear about it. My wife and I make it a priority to spend time with them in prayer, teaching them about God and Jesus Christ, and sharing truths from Scripture. James reminds us, “Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds” (James 2:18). When they see us praying, reading God’s Word, worshiping with joy, and serving others, the Bible becomes more than words on a page—it becomes a living reality. Faith is not merely something we talk about; it is something we live every day before those we love.
I also want to make Scripture and worship central in our lives. Proverbs 9:10 says, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” I hope they come to know that worship and Bible reading aren’t chores—they are doors to knowing God’s heart, His justice, His mercy, and His unfailing love.
Sharing my own experiences with God is another way I can guide them. I tell them stories of answered prayers, moments of guidance, and the everyday blessings that often go unnoticed. I also want them to know that sin has consequences, but God’s grace is always greater (Psalm 103:8-10). Respecting parents and spiritual authority is part of learning to honor God, and I hope they see that in our family life.
The “fear of the Lord” is something I want them to embrace reverently, not fear with dread. Proverbs 14:27 reminds me, “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning a person from the snares of death.” This sacred awe can protect them, guide them, and lead them into wisdom.
And finally, I pray for them every day. Philippians 1:6 encourages me, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Even if their faith grows slowly, I trust God to nurture their hearts. My role is to model, teach, share, and pray—knowing that God’s work in them is sure.
I want my grandchildren to grow up with a holy fear of the Lord, a reverence that produces wisdom, love, and lifelong devotion. And as I reflect on this, I am reminded that it’s never too late for me to live in a way that points them toward Him.
This writing was produced with drafting support from AI and my personal thoughts.
Patrick Brown was born at Davis Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, AZ on February 25th, 1949. He became a Christian Believer when he stepped off the plane in Vietnam in 1971. Since that time, he has devoted his life to the Lord through ministering as a Sunday School teacher in various churches in Mississippi. He is a graduate of Exploding Evangelism (EE) and certified as a Gospel Evangelist Trainer. Patrick is a member on staff at Christian Grandfather Magazine in charge of Daily Devotionals. He and his wife, Sherrilyn, enjoy retirement in Ridgeland, MS. They have two Daughters, five Grandsons and two Great Grandsons.
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