The Twelve Attributes of the Godly Grandparent
By Pastor Dennis Ellingson
"I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois
and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also." 2 Timothy 1:5
The terms "grandparent," "grandmother" and "grandfather" are found only a few times in the Bible. Grandparents played a major role in families during Bible times. An example of godly grand-parenting is seen in the relationship of Timothy and his grandmother.
A term used more in the Bible is "elder." This word describes a person of mature years and their position in the church. Because of the relationship of the Christian experience on all aspects of life the requirements and characteristics describe our conduct as godly grandparents.
In Titus 1 & 2, 1 Peter 5, and James 5:14 we are given attributes of an elder. Consider these twelve attributes of a godly grandparent:
Faithful: Timothy's grandma is a fine example of faithfulness. The apostle Paul commends this great woman for her legacy. Grandma Lois taught grandson Timothy to live in faith in all that he thought and did. (See 2 Tim. 3:14-15.)
Blameless: There is a hero at the time of the rebuilding of Jerusalem, Hanani by name. Nehemiah says, "I put in charge of Jerusalem my bother Hanani, along with Hananiah the commander of the citadel, because he was a man of integrity and feared God more than most men do."( Neh. 7:2) Integrity, or blamelessness, is practicing healthy fear and awe of God. We live in a time when the definition of integrity is situational. We need to stand blameless before God, knowing that our grandchildren are watching and learning.
Prayerful: The aged parents of Samson felt blessed and responsible for their child. From their prayer we learn about praying for our grandchildren. "Then Manoah prayed: 'O Lord, I beg you, let the man of God you sent to us come again to teach us how to bring up the boy who is to be born.'" Then Manoah added, "What is to be the rule for the boy's life and work?" (Judges 13:6,12)
Moral: No one exemplifies morality more than the prophet Daniel. His integrity, morality and faith got him tossed into the lion's den as a punishment for not honoring the Babylonian king above the One True God. A trap had been set for Daniel, but because he was such a moral and devout man, the Scripture says that "They could find no corruption in him." (Dan. 6:4) We need to define morality, not as it is viewed today, but as God views it.
Compassionate: David treats the crippled grandson of Saul with a compassionate spirit given him by God. David asks if there is any of that family that he can show kindness towards. "The King asked, 'Is there no one still left of the house of Saul to whom I can show God's kindness?" (2 Sam. 9:3) David's actions glorify and honor God.
Sober & Sober-minded: The most righteous man of his generation, Noah had an alcohol abuse issue. We also know that at least 50% of all people living have the same potential. Consider the following Scripture as a benchmark for what you say and do: "It is better to not eat meat, or drink wine, or do anything else that will cause your brother to fall." (Rom. 14:21) "So whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks, or the church of God." (1 Cor. 10:31-32)
Peaceable: We live in a violent society. We become desensitized to it. With that in mind, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." (Rom. 12:18) We are called to live peaceably and to be peacemakers.
Disciplined: Paul speaks of his calling as an apostle of Jesus Christ and the importance of carrying out his duties. He refers to himself as a love slave under the authority of God. He states, "I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize." (1 Cor. 9:27) Paul had the spiritual discipline in the same way a marathon runner has the physical and mental discipline to train hard and run well. We must not let up on our Christian discipline, but to finish well.
Wise: Wisdom cannot be given by us to others. It comes as a gift to each person who accepts Christ. We can model it in such a way that others desire it. Godly wisdom should give us a great sense of confidence in the God who helps us be wise.
Humble: God picks the humblest of people such as Moses, Job, and Mary. Humble people do the best for God because their natures are such that their own personalities and desires don't get in the way. "Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth."(Num. 12:3) We do best for our grandchildren when we are humble before God.
Giving: "For every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills." (Ps. 50:10) This is a reminder that all is God's and He can do with it as He pleases. God is willing to give of what He has. "Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you will honor me." We honor God in our stories of His abundance. It remains a faith lesson to all that we are to give generously because we cannot out-give God.
Leader: Our greatest leadership example is of our Lord and King, Jesus Christ. He also describes Himself as a shepherd of sheep. I have learned in keeping sheep that to lead, sometimes you must be in the midst of them or even following behind to push them along. Often it is an effort that requires all your attention and energy because sheep need to be coaxed. "I am the Good Shepherd. . . . I know my sheep and my sheep know me - just as the Father knows me and I know the father - and I lay down my life for the sheep." (John 10:3-15)
In his letter to Timothy, Paul considers the faith and teaching of Timothy's grandmother as a good deposit that will pay off in incredible ways. (See 2 Tim. 1:14) Of course we know that it did. May our efforts exhibiting the twelve attributes of a godly grandparent do the same. We have the potential to greatly influence our grandchildren for Christ.
Copyright 2007 by Dennis Ellingson. Used by permission of the author.
Dennis Ellingson is a pastor with Calvary Chapel, a counselor and a writer. He is the author of The Godly Grandparent and God's Healing Herbs both published by (CLADACH Publishing. He and his wife, Kit, reside in the Sprague River Valley of south-central Oregon.
