“BB, how do I ask Jesus into my heart?” The question asked by my 6-year-old granddaughter from the back seat of the car was music to my ears. We’d been listening to Christian radio as we drove along and a particular song had prompted her question. Tears came to my eyes as I began to share the gospel with her in simple terms, the best that I could. This got me thinking about the spiritual impact of grandparents on their grandkids.
The Spiritual Impact of Grandparents is Incalculable
The impact Christian grandparents have on their grandchildren is incalculable. We don’t know the fruit that will come from seeds planted as we spend precious time with them. It’s a joy and a privilege for us to partner with our grown children in raising their precious littles to know and love God. While we live in a different state than our grandkids, we make the effort to talk to them often and to be with them when we can. If you aren’t able to physically visit your grands often, you can still have an impact on their lives. There are many ways to interact, such as Face-time, Skype, or even through an old-fashioned phone call.
Things We Could Have Done Better
Our kids were raised in church and all three of them came to know Christ at an early age. But we certainly didn’t do everything right. There are certain things we could have done better. For instance, we could have been more intentional about reading the Bible with them and helping them to memorize scripture at home. We could have prayed with them more often in the moment, when issues of everyday life called for it, setting a better example of prayer and reliance on God.
“I have no greater joy than this: to hear that my children are walking in truth.” 3 John 1:4 (CSB)
Tips For Grandparents
The good news is, as grandparents, we have a chance for a do-over—a chance to impact our grands spiritually and lead them towards a relationship with Christ. Here are some ways grandparents can spiritually impact their grandkids:
- Read the Bible to them.
- Share the gospel with them.
- Tell them God has a special plan for their life and has equipped them with gifts, talents and a unique personality to accomplish His work.
- Pray with them, not only at bedtime, but when they tell you about issues they’re having in school or with friends.
- Let them know you love them unconditionally—even when they misbehave.
- Watch wholesome Christian kids movies with them (that are as biblically accurate as possible) and discuss them afterwards.
- Take them to church with you. (I hold Grand Camp every summer during our church’s VBS week so that my grands can attend while they’re at my house.)
- Have spiritual conversations with them about life and Christian virtues.
If your grown children are not believers or are hostile to Christianity, I realize this can be a bit tricky. I’ve heard of cases where parents refuse to even let the grandparents near their children to avoid any spiritual influence. That is tragic. In that case, prayer may be your only option, but make no mistake, prayer is powerful and life-changing.
The Spiritual Impact of a Trip to The Ark
My husband and I recently took our two oldest grands to see the Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky. I think I was more excited about this trip than our grands were. I’d heard so much about it and had wanted to go for several years. It was everything we’d hoped and more. The goal of this park is clearly to bring people to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and to teach people that the Bible is true.
We all learned so much about creation and the flood that we didn’t know before. Who knew the ark was that gigantic—400 semi-trucks could fit inside it! As we strolled through the exhibits, we were able to share many spiritual concepts with our grands. We talked about the awesome creativity of our God, the importance of Noah’s obedience, the power of God (He shut the door of the ark!), and the impact of sin on the world. I don’t think our grands will ever forget this trip, nor will we.
You may not have the opportunity to take your grands on such an overtly spiritual getaway, but you can impact them in other ways: host a  sleepover at your home, take a walk in the park, have a conversation on the phone or via Skype, take them for ice cream. All of these special moments provide opportunities to steer your grandkids towards a life of following Jesus.
The Impact of Listening, Loving and Spiritual Conversations
When our grandkids are with us, we make sure they’re able to slow down and relax. Most elementary kids lead very busy lives. They have school, sports practice, music lessons, church activities, and play dates. Parents want them to be on time, of course, so it’s an inevitable consequence that children feel rushed. When your grandkids are with you, allow them to enjoy a slower pace. Spend time holding, hugging, and listening to them. Time is a luxury we grandparents can afford, while many parents are busy and even frazzled, trying to keep everything together.
We also, admittedly, spoil our grands a little when they’re with us. It’s ok—every once-in-a-while—to let them have a late snack, or to stay up late, or to buy them a fun toy when it’s not their birthday. All parties involved know that the rules will kick back into effect as soon as they arrive home. If your grown children are very strict parents, disregard the tip above. Your relationship with your grown children is important. They are the parents, so they make the rules. Our kids have given us the latitude to do a little spoiling when the grandkids are with us, and we are so grateful. It really brings us joy.
My grandchildren (all 6 of them) are being raised by their Christian parents in Bible-believing churches. Our children appreciate and welcome our spiritual influence. Hopefully yours will, as well, as you seek to be spiritually intentional with their littles. As Christian Grandparents, you can have an eternal spiritual impact on the grandchildren you love and treasure. Don’t waste a moment.
“These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (CSB)
