There is an interesting passage in the Old Testament in the book of Judges during a time of transition in the history of the people of Israel.  Their great leaders like Moses and Joshua had died.  Other leaders from that generation had also died.  In chapter two verse 10 it reads, “After that,  a new generation grew up who did not know what God had done for Israel”.

      In other words, the older generation had died and a new generation of men and women emerged. This new generation had not seen the amazing things that God had done when He brought the people out of slavery in Egypt.  As a result, they abandoned their commitment to the God of their parents and grandparents.

      One of the reasons we celebrate the birth of our country on July 4^th is to remind each of us of our heritage as a nation.  We need to make sure that our children, grand children and future generations do not abandon their commitment to this country.  It is important that we pass on to each new generation the pride and gratitude for the country we call our own.

      Take time to share with your children and grand children why you are thankful to be an American.  Take time to read through their school text books and help them understand our nation’s history.  Take your kids to Washington, DC and let them see the monuments and museums.  Follow the path of the “Freedom Walk” in Boston and  help them understand the early days of our nation’s birth.

       Stand with them on the fields of Gettysburg and explain the significance and sacrifice that people made to preserve our nation.  Explain the importance of ground zero in New York City.  Let them see the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island.

      Never assume that someone else will instill a love for this county in your kids or grand kids.  It is you job to pass those values on to the next generation.  In the book of Judges we read about a generation that “did not know what God had done for the people of Israel”.  Let’s not let that happen in our nation in our life time.