Multi-generational faithfulness

by Jim Bob Howard

Much has been said about multi-generational faithfulness, the rally-cry from Vision Forum. In fact, here's the 14-point Mission Statement from VF:

Preserving Our Covenant With God Through Biblical Patriarchy and Multigenerational Faithfulness

1. Turning the Hearts of Fathers to Their Families
2. Proclaiming the Nobility and Glory of Motherhood
3. Reviving the Doctrine of "Women and Children First"
4. Embracing the Blessing of Children and the Sanctity of Human Life
5. Building a Culture of Virtuous Boyhood and Girlhood
6. Reinforcing Godly Masculinity and Femininity
7. Understanding Family Culture as Religion Externalized
8. Teaching History as the Providence of God
9. Developing Biblical Worldview Through Presuppositional Thinking
10. Training Character by Hebrew Discipleship and Home Education
11. Communicating the Applicability of the Law of God
12. Addressing the Ethical Issues of the 21st Century
13. Preparing Men to Stand in the Gates
14. Encouraging Unity Between Church and Home

Many of these are focussed on the current generation and our progeny. But, we must also honor OUR fathers and mothers, so that it will go well with us in the land the Lord our God is giving us (Ex. 20:12). What are some ways we can honor our parents, especially those who are living?

As my parents and in-laws approach retirement, I'm seriously considering the options I have to honor them. My mother and step-father have already been retired for 9 years, even though neither is yet 60. The other 5 (yes, we have 7 total) of our parents are still working in some capacity. But, one day, very soon, they'll be on a fixed income, with health possibly failing and we'll have to make decisions on how to take care of them all.

Since Amy's mom is the only one single at the moment and the closest in proximity to us, we're focussing on taking care of her in the very near future. In fact, our prayer is that we'll be able to move to some land that where we can build a small cottage for her, so she can have her own space and comings and goings, but will be close enough that we can take care of her as needed.

I've also promised my mom that she will not be abandoned in a nursing home in her old age. That means I need to be planning financially now to take care of my aging parents. Part of the multi-generational faithfulness I want to pass on to my children, is showing them how to take care of me when that time comes. They'll learn that from how I take care of our parents.