A “Sprinkle” and A “Spark” ….

Salt.  The tiny ingredient that has a powerful impact on food.  It only takes a sprinkle to change dull cuisine into delectable fare.

Light. The ray of illumination that pervades darkness.  It only takes a spark to brighten a space.

In Matthew 5: 13–16 (NIV), Jesus radically teaches His followers to be “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world”. He is training His disciples, those who ultimately will take His words around the world eventually impacting all people of every tribe and nation. 

As grandparents, these words are a clarion call to us. George Barna established in his research that grandparents are the second most influential voice to their grandchildren. Parents are the first.  (“The Priorities, Challenges, and Trends in Youth Ministry”, Barna Group, April, 2016) It becomes imperative for us to study these words of Jesus.  

Using the familiar images of salt and light, Jesus paints a challenging picture. He asks us to dig deep within ourselves to connect with the salty presence of the Holy Spirit when almost immediately He tells us to reach high, stretching ourselves to be the beacon of His light to those around us. He adds the uncomfortable statement that if salt loses its saltiness, it is no longer good for anything. Throw it away! Then He bluntly adds to let our light shine before men so that they may see our good deeds and praise our Father in Heaven. 

I wonder why Jesus calls us to such a demanding task. Could He not have made it easier? Yes, He could. But He also knew the urgency of the situation. He could not afford to soft-pedal His mission of bringing salvation to His people. Neither can we. After all, the ultimate goal is to spend eternity in Heaven with all of our loved ones gathered around us.

The recent collision of the Black Hawk helicopter with the American commercial flight horrifically demonstrates this urgency. The passenger’s parents, grandparents and friends  experienced sudden loss of loved ones. You know they cry inwardly for another moment with their family, to hold them, to tell them one more time they love them and, most importantly, to tell Jesus loves them.

It is vitally important for us to be a “sprinkle” in the lives of our children and grandchildren that resolutely points them to the Lord. To pervasively “season” their hearts so that they deeply thirst for an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. Then we must push on, also becoming a “spark” that lights the way for each of them to come to Him. 

“How do I become a “sprinkle” and a “spark” for my family?”

I have found eight steps helpful:

1. Make a decision to become intentional in leading your grandchildren to Jesus.
2. Pray fervently for yourself to be led by the power of the Holy Spirit and for your grandchildren to have a hunger and thirst for the Lord.
3. Develop a written plan about conversations, scriptures and experiences to share with your grandchildren.
   • Explain the Gospel to your grandchildren
   • Read Bible Stories to young children
   • Read the Bible with older children
4. Ask three questions after each reading:
   • What does this passage say about God?
   • What does this passage say about you?
   • What does this passage say about your relationship with God?
5. Memorize scripture together
6. Tell your “God-stories” over and over!
7. Speak blessings over your grandchildren (See John Trent’s The Blessing. Verbalize an active commitment to your grandchildren to walk through life with them.
8. Recognize you are in a spiritual battle for the hearts, minds and souls of your loved ones.  Pray accordingly!

Do not be overwhelmed by this list. Take it one step at a time. You don’t have to do much to be “salt” and “light”. Remember it is a “sprinkle” and a “spark”. A planned conversation here. An intentional prayer there. Consistency is the important factor because over the long haul the small pieces add up. Remember it only takes a sprinkle of salt to transform a dish. And even a small firefly can sparkle light that pierces a dark night.