Don’t Lose a Legacy: Why VBS Week Matters More Than You Think

✍️ By Pastor Gary Boyd

📖 Text: Psalm 78:1–8

Have you ever had one of those serious family meetings? I’m not talking about “Where should we go eat?” or “Who’s picking up the kids?” I mean the kind of conversation where something big is on the table—something that could shape the future of your family. 💬

That’s the weight you feel when you read Psalm 78. A generation is gathered. Not around a dinner table or a boardroom… but around the need to pass on a legacy of faith. The writer doesn’t ease in—he blasts a trumpet: “Give ear, O my people!” 📣

He’s not telling bedtime stories here. He’s calling us to attention. He’s saying:

➡️ “Listen up—because what I’m about to say matters. Our fathers dropped the ball, and we can’t afford to do the same.”

And right now, the day before VBS kicks off, I believe God is calling our church to gather—not for games and crafts (though those are fun!)—but for a spiritual strategy session. 🧠🛡️

Because this isn’t just another event.

This is a rescue mission. 🚨

📜 A Generation with a Mission

Psalm 78 opens with a challenge: “Incline your ears… I will open my mouth in a parable.” (vv.1–2)

The psalmist is reflecting on the stories, the truths, and the failures passed down through generations. He’s asking:

👉 How do we stop history from repeating itself?

We’ve been entrusted with something sacred—our faith—and we’re called to pass it on.

And not just casually or accidentally. But intentionally, openly, and boldly.

🛠️ A Strategy for Spiritual Legacy

God’s plan has always been that parents—and the faith community around them—would lead the way in handing down the truth. This psalm lays out how:

🙋‍♂️ Be Open About Your Faith

Don’t hide your walk with God from your kids. Don’t treat it like a private hobby or weekend routine.

Talk about Him.

Pray with your kids.

Live it out in the everyday.

Some people say, “I don’t want to indoctrinate my kids.” 😬

But here’s the truth: The world has no hesitation in shaping their worldview. And the enemy isn’t shy about training them.

So why should we be passive about pointing them to truth? 🙅‍♂️

🎶 Teach Them to Praise

Verse 4 says we should “shew… the praises of the Lord.”

Think about your home—what songs are echoing through your speakers?

What messages are shaping your kids’ hearts?

When we fill our homes with worship and truth, we’re planting seeds that can last a lifetime. 🌱🎵

💪 Show Them God’s Strength

Our kids need to know that God is powerful—that He’s not just a character in a storybook but the Creator of the universe. 🌌

• He split the sea.
• He defeated giants.
• He shut the mouths of lions.

These aren’t fairy tales.

They’re real events carried out by a real God who still works today. 🙌

📖 Tell Them About His Wonderful Works

The Bible is full of jaw-dropping moments of God’s power and love—and they’re meant to be passed on.

These stories shape how kids see the world.

They remind them:

👉 God is good.

👉 God is near.

👉 God is for them.

And here’s the catch—you can’t pass on what you haven’t experienced.

So the more you know Him, the more clearly you can reflect Him to the next generation. 💡

🎯 What Success Looks Like

If we do this right—if we commit to this mission—we’ll start to see fruit.

Psalm 78 gives us four goals:

1. Kids will set their hope in God. 🌈
2. Not in money, or sports, or relationships—but in the only One who never fails.
3. They won’t forget what God has done. 🔁
4. In hard times, they’ll remember His faithfulness.
5. They’ll keep His commandments. 📜
6. Even when culture pushes the other way, they’ll choose to follow Christ.
7. They’ll avoid the mistakes of the past. 🧭
8. Isn’t that what we all want—for our kids to go farther and stronger in their walk with God than we did?

🏠 The Role of the Family

and

the Church

This mission starts in the home. No doubt about that.

But Psalm 78 also makes it clear that it’s a community effort. 🤝

That’s where you come in. Whether you’re a parent, a grandparent, a teacher, or just someone who loves kids—this is your moment.

This week during VBS, our church is stepping into that community role.

Here’s what we’re trying to do:

✅ Help kids praise the Lord

✅ Show them that God is strong

✅ Tell them about His great works

✅ Teach them to walk in obedience

🤔 So What Can You Do?

Not everyone can teach. Not everyone can be here every day.

But everyone can do something. 💪

Will you:

• 🎨 Help decorate?
• 🙏 Pray over our workers and kids?
• 🧑‍🏫 Teach or assist?
• 👶 Serve in the nursery?
• 🥤 Bring snacks?
• 💵 Give to support the effort?

This is more than logistics—it’s spiritual warfare. And your investment matters.

🙏 Let’s Start Now

As we close our service this Sunday morning, we’re going to open the altar.

And I want to ask:

Would you come and pray?

Pray for our workers.

Pray for the kids.

Pray for decisions to be made.

Pray for salvation and transformation.

Pray that we don’t lose the legacy that’s been entrusted to us. 🧎‍♂️🔥

Because what happens this week could change someone's eternity.

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