Heartburn...

Judges 2:10  "After that whole generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation grew up, who knew neither the Lord nor what He had done for Israel."

Heartburn.  A burning sensation in your chest that once you get it, seems to stay with you for a really long time.  It hurts.  It's constant.  And it's a reminder of what you ate (or shouldn't have eaten.)

I started a study in Judges this last week, and as I read through some of the corresponding Scriptures, Judges 2:10 struck me with a burning in my heart like I can't explain.  Yes, it's true, this verse gave me Spiritual heartburn.  In context, Joshua, the great leader of Israel had passed away.  Time elapsed, and everyone who had seen God do mighty things in Joshua's generation, anyone who was an eyewitness to God's hand of deliverance, eventually died as well.  When they died, they left behind a generation that had no personal experience or interaction with God Almighty.  That generation, according to verse eleven did evil in the sight of the Lord and served other gods. 

As I said, this verse burned in my heart when I read it.  It's a reality check for me, and a scary one at that.  Re-read the verse, making it personal this time.  "After 'Beth Banfill' died, another generation grew up who knew neither the Lord nor what He had done in 'her' life."  You see, one of my biggest fears is that my children will become adults and decide they don't have any need for God.  Sure, as a parent, I can instill in them God's love as best I know how.  And by the grace of God, I can see Him at work in their lives even as a twelve and fourteen year old.  But am I doing everything God wants me to do to make an eternal difference for Him, not only with my children, but with everyone I come in contact with?

To me, that is a daunting and chilling thought.  It begs several questions that demand personal answers.  When I die, will others know about the mighty works of God in my life?  Regardless of my age, what am I doing to impact my generation or the next for Christ?  Am I passing along the importance of a relationship with Christ to my children, or am I more concerned with making sure they are popular, excelling at sports, fitting in, and having an overall good time growing up?  Where are my priorities, and are they evident enough in my life that others see them, too?

It doesn't matter how old you are at this moment, what matters is that you are making a difference in your generation so that the next one will know of God's mighty works in your life.  We have one life to live for God.  We have one voice, and one generation (our own) to impact for Christ. 

My heart burns to make an impact.  What does your heart burn for?  Do you suffer from spiritual heartburn at all?  Or have you taken so many antacids that you're immune to what God has called you to do?

---Beth Banfill
www.GodandMe2theMax.com