By Pastor Doug Stauffer
A few months ago, we welcomed another grandchild, and the joy is indescribable. This is how the Bible describes it. “Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers” (Proverbs 17:6). The spiritual influence of a godly grandmother and mother demonstrates how faith can be passed down through generations—here is an example of living faith. “When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also” (2 Timothy 1:5).
Each year, on the first Sunday after Labor Day, we celebrate Grandparents Day—a time to honor the faithful presence, enduring love, and godly wisdom of those who have gone before us. In 2025, this special day falls on September 7, offering a meaningful opportunity to recognize the spiritual legacy passed down from one generation to the next.
While it’s easy to focus on birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays marked by gifts and greeting cards, Grandparents Day offers something much more profound: the opportunity to recognize the lasting importance of generational faithfulness. In a world propelled by speed and self-interest, grandparents act as anchors of stability—reminding us of where we come from and guiding us toward what truly matters.
God designed the family as a multi-generational institution. In Deuteronomy 4:9, we are exhorted, “Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen… but teach them thy sons, and thy sons’ sons.” Grandparents are not just spectators—they are teachers, counselors, and prayer warriors. Their influence often reaches farther than any other person in a child’s life.
Many grandparents today are not only enjoying their golden years—they’re actively helping raise their grandchildren, praying over their families, and offering guidance based on Scripture. Their life experiences serve as living proof of God’s faithfulness. While the world may celebrate youth, Scripture encourages us to honor age and wisdom: “The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness” (Proverbs 16:31).
To the grandparents reading this: never underestimate your importance. You serve as a living bridge between the past and the future. Your stories act as lessons. Your faith provides a strong base. Whether you’re actively raising grandchildren or just cheering them on from the sidelines, your influence is everlasting when rooted in Christ.
To the younger generations: take time to listen, learn, and love. Ask for stories. Seek wisdom. Treasure the spiritual inheritance handed down from those who fought battles, weathered storms—yet are still standing, still praising, and still praying.
This Grandparents Day, try to do more than just call or send a card. Pray with them. Read Scripture together. Thank them for their sacrifices, prayers, and faithfulness. If your grandparents are no longer here, think about how they’ve influenced you and honor their memory by living out the values they cherished.
In a society that often forgets the importance of the past, let us be the generation that remembers. As Psalm 145:4 states, “One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts.”
This September 7, let us honor our grandparents not only with words but also with gratitude that reaches from earth to Heaven
