The next generation

Is anything grander than holding a newborn grandchild, healthy, content, sleeping soundly, safe in your arms? The months of waiting now over and the labor of delivery already being forgotten in the realization of the anticipated birth. God certainly knows how to start people!

I experienced this wonderful feeling recently as I held a new grandson for the first time. As we grow older I think we appreciate such moments much more, particularly if we are separated by many miles, as families often are today. So, brief moments together are savored and enjoyed, particularly at times like these.

Yet, if the little fellow knew what lies ahead for him in the way of difficulties and heartaches as he grows up to adulthood, he might want to crawl back into the womb! It's certainly not easy growing up, especially in today's troubled world. Of course, now all he is concerned about is being fed and being warm, dry and comfortable. But, in a few short years the bumps, bruises, scrapes and breaks will leave their mark on him physically and emotionally.

Oh, yes, there will be fun along the way with accomplishments and some happiness. Work will be required to acquire the knowledge and skills needed to survive and to thrive and to make his way. Opportunities, often disguised as work, will be presented. Temptations and pitfalls will be in the mix as well.

It's all part of the human experience, the human condition. Sometimes it turns out well. All too often something goes awry and the results can be disastrous. The parental guidance, the influence of family and friends and the moral instruction given all contribute to the outcome of one's life. Good character is built and put into practice, or the dark side may prevail. Look around you and what do you see?

It has been this way since a tragic incident in the Garden of Eden, long ago. God taught our original parents a way of life and gave clear instructions on what they could and could not do. You know the story – you can read about it in Genesis 2 and 3. The first couple, influenced by Satan, made the wrong decision. Since that time this world has been a mixture of good and evil, under Satan's sway. From that time forward mankind has learned by experience, which can be a cruel teacher.

But, God is merciful and from the beginning He has had a plan, which includes everyone. His plan gives everyone a chance to partake of the Tree of Life. We have glorious promises of a world without sin and its consequences, a time of peace and prosperity for all. We are promised a time when little children will not be in danger of accident, injury, wild animals or other harmful creatures. "The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall graze; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The nursing child shall play by the cobra's hole, and the weaned child shall put his hand in the viper's den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain, for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea" (Isaiah 11:6-9).

With this wonderful truth in mind, I don't worry much about my new grandson's future, because I know how it all turns out. With all the joys and sorrows, trials and tests he will face in his lifetime, he will have a chance to reach his full potential and to become what God wants him to be in Tomorrows World. That is the hope of the next generation as well as our own.

If you want to know more about your own incredible future that lies just ahead, order our booklet Your Ultimate Destiny at https://www.tomorrowsworld.org/order-publications/?lit=YUD It is entirely free. You can also view it online at https://www.tomorrowsworld.org/booklets/your-ultimate-destiny