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Disclaimer: this is not about what you think it is. 

It is not about repaying your parents or grandparents for a student loan, a vehicle, a diamond ring, a down payment on a house, or a big screen TV.  Benevolent parents sometimes lend money to their children, teens, and even their adult children.  Without question, those debts should be repaid.  More about that at a later time...but what does repaying your parents mean within the context of this blog post?

A reading of the Bible passage of I Timothy 5:3-16, reveals that God has expectations for widows who have children.  Some of the truths gleaned from this passage include:  1.  The church should provide financial relief for widows who are experiencing real needs.  2.  The widow who is blessed with children or grandchildren should put their religion into practice by getting involved in caring for their own familie's needs.  These needs may be financial, but we prefer to believe that FAR more important are those that include needs of an emotional, friendship, inspirational, spiritual, encouraging, and mentoring nature.

Any parent or grandparent can throw money at a need or problem.  Unfortunately, most of the attempts at fixing things with money simply fail.  What is even more unfortunate is that many parents or grandparents throw money at a child with the unstated intention that the child will take the money and leave them alone for a while.  Most of the time, throwing money doesn't work.  Sure, it may buy a few things, but it often builds resentment, discouragement, disrespect, and even hatred.

Setting the proper spiritual example to be followed is FAR more worthwhile than throwing a few dollars, a few hundred or even a few thousand dollars at a son, daughter, grandson, or granddaughter.  As a grandparent, or a parent, your what your kids really need is YOU, your time, and your influence.  Step up to the plate and become the parent or grandparent that God wants you to be!  Both you and your family may just find that you have your best days ahead.

How do you repay your parents for the sacrifices and investments they may have made in you?  No, your parents were not perfect.  Like their parents, they probably made their share of mistakes and so will you.  So how do you repay your parents for thier sacrifices?  Not with money!  But by investing yourself in the lives of your children and grandchildren.  This is God's plan, one generation gives to the next by pouring themselves into the lives of the next.  This is God's plan...and it works!!!  Ask God for the strength and wisdom you need to make a lasting difference in the lives of your loved ones. Both you, your family, and the Kindgom of God will be the better for it.

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