John 3:5 — Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.” Three generations of auctioneers is no small feat. When Grandma enrolled Grandpa in auction school 40 years ago, he may not have realized that one of his sons and grandsons would follow in his steps. But none of these accomplishments happened automatically. They were the result of decisions, planning and hard work. More than four decades ago, after much dreaming, Grandma Sheridan enrolled Grandpa in the Knotts School of Auctioneering where he spent hours learning this trade. During the following months he trained under the best in the business and perfected his chant. In 1995, my husband decided to join the auction business, but he did not automatically become an auctioneer just because his father was one. He travelled to Missouri Auction School where he spent the required hours taking classes to become certified. After a yearlong apprenticeship, he also became a full-fledged auctioneer. This summer our son, Nathan, also made the decision to begin his auctioneer journey, but neither was he able to have an easy entrance into the field. Having a grandfather and father in the business did not preclude his need to go to school and get certified. He made the decision, paid the fee, and in June he also attended the Missouri Auction School with an apprenticeship under his father. Three generations of auctioneers, but each one had to make the decision and put in the time. No one was able to slide in under the table because of past family connections or experience. This is the way it is with the family of God. A person doesn’t become a Christian just because their father or grandfather made that commitment. They do not gain entrance into heaven because of someone else’s decisions. Each person must recognize their sinful nature and come to God on their own. When a person understands their personal need for a Savior and calls on God for forgiveness, He promises to answer and make them His child. At that moment they are born of the Spirit and have entered the Kingdom of God. Auctioneer parents don’t automatically produce auctioneer children. It takes a decision and a lot of work. In the same way Christian parents don’t automatically produce Christian children. Each generation needs to come to God on his or her own in order to enter His Kingdom. While I don’t expect you all will become auctioneers, I trust that each and every one of you will become part of God’s family. But it doesn’t happen automatically. That decision is up to you. Sandra Sheridan is a Midwest wife and mother of five. She shares her messages to her children with Farm World. Visit her at www.VersesFromMama.com |