ENGAGE THE FAMILY: KNOW GOD AND MAKE GOD KNOWN 

Raising and engaging a family today means navigating a world of constant influence. Our families are shaped not only by the people around them, but also by social media, algorithms, AI, entertainment, and ideas that can reach them before we even realize it. We cannot control every influence they encounter, but we can be intentional about the influence we have. More than simply providing for our families or spending time together, God calls us to help them know who He is, trust His Word, and recognize His work in their lives. This begins with knowing God ourselves and making Him known to the generations entrusted to us.   

Know God   

We cannot make God known without knowing Him ourselves. Before we tell our family to trust and obey God, do they see us doing the same? We know God through His Word and His works. As we spend time in Scripture and obey His commands, we grow in our knowledge of who He is. We also know God by remembering His works in our lives. Psalm 78 reminds us of His faithfulness despite His people’s failures. Luke 15 gives us a beautiful picture of God’s heart through the prodigal son, whose father welcomed and restored him when he returned in repentance. Yet the older brother reminds us that we can be in the house of God and still fail to know His grace. What picture of God are we showing our families?    

Make God Known   

Psalm 78:7 reminds us that the next generation should put their confidence in God, remember His works, and keep His commandments. Spiritual legacy is not automatic. Judges 2:10 reminds us that a generation arose that did not know the Lord or the work He had done. We must intentionally engage our families so God’s truth and faithfulness are passed on.  

There are five practical ways we can make God known to our family:   

1. Pray for them. Pray consistently, especially for those who are struggling or do not yet know Christ. God is the One who changes hearts.   

2. Be an example. Model what it means to trust God. Our families learn from how we respond to trials, disappointments, and difficulties.   

3. Enter their world. Spend time with them, listen to what interests them, and be present. Understanding their world creates opportunities to point them to God.   

4. Communicate God’s stories. Deuteronomy 6:6–7 calls us to speak about God throughout everyday life. Share His faithfulness, provision, answered prayers, and grace in your own life. 

5. Cultivate God’s vision for them. Help your family see that God’s purpose is greater than success, education, career, or achievement. Pray with them about His will and think beyond your generation to those who will come after you.    

Engaging the family is a generational calling. Know God, make God known, and help the next generation know, trust, obey, and love Him.