In what ways can grandparents be "the crown of the aged" today? The Crown Verse “Grandchildren are the crown of the aged, and the glory of children is their fathers.” — Proverbs 17:6 What a Crown Signifies • Honor • Joyful reward after a long race (cf. 2 Timothy 4:8) • Visible testimony to God’s faithfulness through generations How Grandparents Can Wear the Crown Today • Celebrate God’s Grace – Recognize every grandchild as “a heritage from the LORD” (Psalm 127:3). – Speak gratitude aloud; grandchildren learn to thank God by watching thankful grandparents. • Pass On a Living Faith – Share Scripture naturally: bedtime stories, mealtime reflections, text messages with verses. – Follow the Deuteronomy 6:6-7 pattern—truth in everyday moments. – Like Lois with Timothy (2 Timothy 1:5), let sincere faith be unmistakable. • Model Godly Character – Titus 2:2-3 calls older men and women to be temperate, reverent, sound in faith. – Grandchildren notice patience in traffic, honesty at the store, kindness to strangers. • Invest Time and Presence – Phone calls, video chats, game nights, fishing trips—consistent presence says “you matter.” – Even short, regular contact can outweigh occasional big events. • Tell Family Stories of God’s Deliverance – Recount answered prayers, difficult seasons, and how the Lord showed Himself strong (Psalm 78:4-7). – Stories root children in identity and inspire trust in God. • Pray a Hedge Around Them – Keep lists with each child’s needs and promises claimed. – Let them overhear you pray; it imprints dependence on God. • Bless With Encouragement, Not Control – Offer counsel when asked; resist critiquing every parenting choice. – Speak life: “I see God gifting you in…” “I’m proud you chose integrity.” • Provide Tangible Help – Babysitting, homework help, rides to practice—small acts lift burdens and knit hearts. – Where able, financial wisdom and inheritance can fulfill Proverbs 13:22. • Demonstrate Covenant Marriage and Servanthood – Show affection, forgiveness, and teamwork at home. – Serve in church together; grandchildren observe what lasting commitment looks like. • Create Christ-Centered Traditions – Advent readings, Resurrection Sunday breakfast, serving at a food bank on birthdays. – Traditions frame memories around the gospel. When Grandchildren Live Far Away • Schedule virtual story times; mail handwritten letters with a verse. • Record yourself reading favorite Bible passages; share the files. • Plan intentional visits that include worship together. If You Have No Biological Grandchildren • “Adopt” younger families in the congregation—Paul called Timothy “my true child in the faith” (1 Timothy 1:2). • Mentor neighborhood kids, volunteer in children’s ministry, tutor at a local school. Encouragement to Finish Well The crown imagery reminds us the race is not over. Keep pressing on so that, when grandchildren think of you, they think of Jesus first. Then Proverbs 17:6 becomes visible reality: your life adorns them, and their flourishing adorns you. |
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