What are you teaching?

Throughout the forty years that Moses led God’s people in the desert, it seems that they were rarely happy. In fact, the two words that the Bible most often uses to describe their attitudes are “grumbled” or “complained”. Now notice the word that describes them in the passage below.

“Now there was no water for the community, and the people gathered in opposition to Moses and Aaron. They quarreled with Moses and said, "If only we had died when our brothers fell dead before the Lord! Why did you bring the Lord’s community into this desert, that we and our livestock should die here? Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to this terrible place? It has no grain or figs, grapevines or pomegranates. And there is no water to drink!" (Verses 2-5).

The sad part: The people still had not learned anything about God! For forty years, they complained, cried, and thought that they were going to die. Every time they were in need, God provided, yet here they are still complaining and still worrying!

Even worse than that though is the fact that this is now the second generation of God’s people to do this. The people have raised their children to be fearful, worrying complainers too. Rather than teaching trust, thankfulness and reliance on God, the parents taught their kids to be just like them.

So, what are we teaching our children? Are we teaching them that every little thing is a huge problem, or are we teaching them to trust God? Are we teaching them to fret or to pray? Are we seeing our many blessings or only our few problems?

Are you leaving a legacy of faith or fear?

“The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:5-7).