Tell your children about it in the years to come, and let your children tell their children. Pass the story down from generation to generation. (Joel 1:3, NLT)
Storytelling is highly effective in passing down values and principles.
When I was a young boy, mom and my teachers told me stories. One which stood out the most stays with me until today. The story contains a good moral value. It imprinted into my character the importance of being honest. Since then, I put in much effort to hold up integrity.
Why did they educate me through storytelling? One of the reasons is, storytelling is highly effective in passing down values and principles.
The God of Joel communicated messages through him to Judah. The prophet instructed God’s people to listen and to pass down the message. The people of God are to tell them to their children and grandchildren. It is crucial in God’s eye that generations received His word. By doing so, generations would remember the Lord and, hopefully, remain faithful to Him and His Law. It is in this way; the Lord could find a good reason to protect Judah and to judge the sins of others.
How do you apply this? You may use the storytelling method and share your encounter with the Lord. Tell your children and people in your world the goodness of God. Share how you found grace and kindness as you journey with Jesus. Others could become curious and eventually desire the same experience you have in Christ. More so, pass to your children and grandchildren the love of God.
To generate stories, you are to walk with your Saviour and King Jesus always. When you cultivate such a lifestyle, you will have new stories weekly. Eventually, the journey will change you. His glory and presence would follow you like the way it followed Moses. May you have a pleasant walk with the Lord.
Let us pray:
Dear God, increase within my heart and soul greater hunger for You. Help me stay focused on You. Teach me to remain humble in success and failure. Hold my hand every day as I journey to work and to school. I want to experience You. I want an increase in stories about You so that my loved ones and friends could witness our friendship. Thank you, Holy Spirit, for being patient with me. I love You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen!