Bible Verses About Raising Up the Next Generation

I consider it a privilege to live in America. Even with all our mess and wackiness, I am blessed to call this place my home. The Fourth of July is a day to celebrate freedom and I am grateful for those who fought to preserve this great country I take for granted. In this post we dive in to a few Bible verses about raising up the next generation to celebrate their freedom in Christ.

Among them was my grandfather, Ray McGoy, who served in World War II. He received various medals for his service, including the World War II Victory Medal. It lists four freedoms on the inscription – freedom from fear, want, and freedom of speech and religion.

We should celebrate these “American freedoms” and teach our children to respect and honor them. If I want to be an intentional father, I must take time occasionally to help my sons learn about those who served to give them the way of life they enjoy.

Better Freedoms

Even so, there’s another collection of freedoms far better than those granted by the good ol’ US of A. In fact, no government on earth has the power to give these freedoms. These freedoms are so amazing, so unbelievable, that when we fully accept them, we are changed forever. These are the freedoms we find in a saving relationship with Jesus Christ.

Just a few of the freedoms that we experience when we trust in Christ:

Freedom from fear of death (Hebrews 2:14-15)
Freedom from our sins (Romans 6:17-18)
Freedom from evil behavior patterns (1 Peter 2:24)
Freedom from condemnation (Romans 8:1-2)
Freedom from religious requirements (Galatians 5:1)

My Father-In-Law

Last week, my father-in-law, Doug Heisler passed away. Doug was 70 and had a surprisingly brief battle with esophageal cancer. We will miss him greatly, particularly on holidays like the Fourth of July. He loved his country dearly, and he had great respect for the patriots and warriors who battled to make it what it is today.

Doug was an expert woodworker. His passions and my grandfather’s service collided in the display case you see in the photo with this post. My mother, (after she doggedly pursued replicas from the Army!), handed down my grandfather’s Victory Medal to me.

For the medal’s protection, my father-in-law fashioned an exquisite case. I think he particularly enjoyed making this case to honor an Army veteran’s legacy.

Doug’s love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, proved even more important than how he loved his country.

Because of that, today, Doug is completely free. Totally free. Forever free. He’s free from pain, cancer, addiction, sin, guilt and sadness. No more chemo or radiation treatments!

Doug’s living the life we all want to live, eternally. While we will miss him a great deal, we celebrate his recently acquired personal independence day. The day he got to meet his maker, face to face.

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:36)

Congratulations, Mr. H!

About the Author: Ryan Sanders

Ryan Sanders is the Director of Outreach at Manhood Journey. He is married to Tonia and they have three children. He is currently a doctoral student at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary where he received the Master of Divinity. He is a Fellow at The Colson Center for Christian Worldview and serves as Lay Pastor at McLean Bible Church in Washington, D.C.