Hey Westside,

George Washington, our nation’s first president, said: “A Nation cannot be rightly governed without God and the Bible.” I am so thankful for a legacy of godly men and women in this nation who paved the way for the freedoms that have made this country so great. I am so thankful for the endless opportunity we have in our country to work, give, and create. I am so thankful for family and friends to share our lives with.

However, we often take for granted these precious liberties most of which were taken from our rich Judeo-Christian heritage. We think that things are going well so we forget that with freedom comes responsibility. Then, as is often the pattern, we get into some sort of trouble and we are compelled to return to our foundations and get ourselves straightened out.

Now, you could take what I’ve just said and apply it to many things: your favorite cause, justice, the economy, ethics and morality. But what I want to share with you right now is the obligation we have to pass on godly character and values to our next generation. We have been entrusted with the awesome responsibility of impacting our children, nieces and nephews, and grandchildren for the continuing good. As Christians, we have a Biblical mandate to teach God’s Word to our children and grandchildren. How are we doing?

Must we wait until our families are falling apart before we turn back to God and His ways? Do we have to lose our kids to the distractions of endless promises and empty pursuits? I say an emphatic . . . NO! We don’t have to see our kids go through years of destruction and then when they finally turn to God and “get it together” their kids are just as messed up. It doesn’t have to be that way!

How, you might ask? Use what you know. Teach the truths of the Bible. Lead your home according to those truths. Apply what George Washington said regarding a nation to your self. “A home cannot be rightly governed without God and the Bible.” Don’t forget the benefits to your children (and you) of regular and active church involvement. (email me if you’d like the research: steve@westsideinfo.com)

Your kids will be better for it . . . and so will you. Go to church this Sunday. Take your kids or some neighbor kids. Read your Bible. Do what it says. Really.

Love you guys,
Steve

P.S. Please remember to whom we are giving thanks next week. Take time to thank God for all of His blessings to each and every one of us as you gather together for Thanksgiving.