We Pass On What We Teach

Every generation passes on something to the next generation. But what exactly do we pass on?

So far, in this series, I have proposed that we pass on four things: What we speak, write, carry, and achieve. I have illustrated this concept by four generations of my family.

Now I have come to the next generation, my great grandfather Edward Herbert Myddelton-Gavey, who was a surgeon. Perhaps that’s why my family is filled with doctors, including my brother.

Another great grandfather, John Moore Fergusson, was a moderator in the Church of Scotland. So, maybe that’s why my family is filled with ministers, including my other brother.

We pass on what we teach. But there is more to teaching than the passing on of words.

The prophet Isaiah wrote, “…As for me, this is my covenant with them,” says the Lord. “My Spirit, who is on you, will not depart from you, and my words that I have put in your mouth will always be on your lips, on the lips of your children and on the lips of their descendants—from this time on and forever,” says the Lord…”(Isaiah 59:21). This verse is my desire and hope for my children’s children.

What teaching are we passing on to our children?

What Spirit are we imparting to the next generation?

What words will we be remembered for?

Robert