Practical Ways to Instill Biblical Values in Your Grandchildren

Written by Deb del Villar, Director of Communications

As we continue to explore how to fulfill our purpose as intentional Christian grandparents, let’s look at Proverbs 22:1, “A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favor is better than silver or gold.”

A Good Name

What comes to your mind when you hear the phrase “a good name?” Maybe it is a country song or a poem. Or maybe the echo of your dad, saying, “Son, your name is the most important thing you own. Treat it well.”

In this statement, the dad is not speaking only of your name. It is so much more than that, expanding the meaning into your reputation and your character. A good name is earned by honorable behavior, godly wisdom, moral courage, and personal integrity. It is hard to earn and easy to lose.

A good reputation conforms to the highest standard. Grandparents, that is Christ. A good reputation flows from a pure heart as the fruit of a good character. That is Christ in us.

Consider how your reputation is affecting your family. Seek to pass on a good name to those who are watching and imitating you. Think of some ways to instill the biblical value of a good name in your grandchildren.

More Desirable Than Great Riches

This phrase concerns the attitude of what is truly more important – wealth or witness. God is calling you to make a conscious choice to pursue a godly witness over wealth.

Ecclesiastes 7:1a says “A good name is better than precious ointment…”  A good name is more precious – more powerful – more enduring – more valuable than wealth.

Do your grandchildren know how important building and maintaining a faithful reputation is to you? Consider some ways you can show and tell them.

Loving Favor is Better Than Silver and Gold

As my eyes wander around our home, things I treasure come into view. There are photos of the family, scripture verses, and great-grandchildren’s paper scribblings on the refrigerator door. While these show love and importance to my family, there is still another thing that will speak louder. It is a gracious spirit that permeates the home. It is of more value than the others combined.

The treasure of a good name built on reputation that leads to respect; this is to be held in loving esteem. It is better than silver and gold or precious costly ointment. We have been speaking of a good name as a virtue we want to pass on. But there are other values that are important to your family that you want to instill in your grandchildren.  

Other Biblical values

Here are some ways to fulfill your purpose of instilling biblical values within your family, especially your grandchildren. These are adapted from Trudy Cathy White’s book, A Legacy that Lasts. Order your copy from our store so you have the complete information to guide you as you leave a legacy that lasts.

First, you need to have a vision to share your values. Then the clarity to develop the biblical values that are important to you. Next, your life will need to demonstrate them authentically.

1. Articulate

Define your family values. What are those things that help you live intentionally? These are usually centered around faith fundamentals, family rhythms, and desired character traits. Decide how to pass them on so they are preserved for the generations that follow.

Could your grandchildren answer this question: What was important to Grandad and Grandma? Think about that as you talk with them, write things down, and display items in your home.

Some additional questions to consider: Ask, what really matters to you? What values govern your life? How do you live? What do I want others to recognize in me – see lived out in me?

2. Shape

Values are part of what designs you for God’s purpose. They help you align your words and your actions. Two good examples are generosity and gratitude. They seem to be almost forgotten. How can you transfer them on? Remember, influence makes its mark through experiences, not lectures. It’s caught more than taught.

3. Empower

As grandparents, we desire to leave our mark, our imprint on our families. We desire to make a difference for eternity! When we leave this world, we would love to know we did what we could so our grandchildren can now make their mark on their families and the world for Christ. We hope to transmit our biblical values to the next generation so they can confidently pass them on to a generation we will not even see. What a blessing!

Conclusion

“The legacy you leave them is the life you are living now,” Trudy Cathy White declares. Often, we fall into the thought that what we physically leave behind after we are gone is our legacy. Trudy Cathy White reminds us that “legacy is who you are now, what you are now doing – legacy is now and later!”

Be mindful of what you are passing on as your values. When the grandkids think of you, does this translation of Proverbs 22:1 come to mind? “A sterling reputation is better than striking it rich; a gracious spirit is better than money in the bank.” [The Message]

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Editor’s Note: This post references the book “A Legacy that Lasts: Preserving and Transferring Your Family Values,” written by Trudy Cathy White, daughter of Chick-fil-A founder. Purchase this book in our store here!