Many Christians lament the state of our society and pray for revival. What conscientious Christ follower wouldn’t desire to see a wave of repentance, reformation, and fervor for Godly things to sweep our nation and our world?
The scripture makes it clear that true revival begins with a single significant indicator.
Malachi 4:6 says, “He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.” This is the close of the Old Testament, the last words before the “silent period.” But then in Luke 1:17 God resurfaces this theme: “And he will go as forerunner before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers back to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared for him.”
If we desire true revival, we must see fathers begin to think multi-generationally. A man’s children must become central to his thinking. The post-modern way of thinking about children is not what we’re looking for. Here’s how most parents think of their kids today:
Post-Modern Parental Thinking
- Children are a liability. They cost money. They take up time.
- “Only X more years ’till they’re gone, and we’re free!”
- The college they get into is of preeminent concern.
- Whatever it takes we have to make sure they get a scholarship.
- Their participation in elite or “Select”sports is a major focus.
Conversely, these verses allude to Biblical multi-generational thinking.
Biblical Multi-generational Thinking
- Children are an asset. They are fellow warriors who can contribute to the battle as well as the family enterprise. Children create time leverage.
- “In only X years they will be a man/woman and walking side be side with me in this journey.”
- Their discipleship is the preeminent concern.
- Whatever it takes, we must equip them to be mature, fully developed co-laborers for the gospel.
- Can they defend the faith?
- Do they know what it means to be a Godly husband or wife?
- Do they know how to run a Godly household?
- What enterprise am I establishing that they can inherit?
- Am I setting them up for financial success?
- Do they know Biblical wisdom?
- Can they carry forward the vision that God delivered to their father?
- Can they maintain the line of Biblical patriarchy being established in our family lineage?
If we want true revival, it is not going to come from a crusade, evangelism rally, or mega-worship event. It will begin one family at a time in the home. The family has been central to God’s plan since Genesis 1. Begin to think multi-generationally, and encourage your fellow Christians to do the same. We will yet see great things!