Teach the children. When my children were small, I wanted them to know God as their Lord and Savior. I wanted to pour into them the things I had learned from Him and about Him. I knew truth was their only defense against cultural lies. I wanted them to be able to withstand whatever deception they might encounter. So, I felt the responsibility to teach my children what I could. However, I quickly learned if I attempted to give them sermons it resulted in a lot of eye rolls and disinterest.
Large chunks of Bible knowledge were not what was called for in the moment. It was inappropriate. Just as I would not try to feed them pot roast, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, salad, and ice cream for an after-school snack, I learned to give them little nuggets of truth in the course of the day.
This is consistent with God’s counsel to us. In Deuteronomy 6, He tells us to commit ourselves to obey His commandments, and then to teach them to our children. We are to repeat them again and again, talk about them at home and on the road, when we go to bed and when we get up. In Deuteronomy 11, He tells the Israelites that their children did not see all the miracles they saw when He brought them out of Egypt. It was up to the parents to tell the stories of His faithfulness to deliver them from the Egyptians, to bring them through the Red Sea, and to sustain them in the wilderness. He repeats the command to first commit themselves wholeheartedly to Him and His word, and then to talk about these things with their children throughout their daily activities.
The faith of our children does not depend on us. They may grow up to love and serve God despite our unfaithfulness. But their early training is important. If we are wholeheartedly committed to obey God and consistently share with our children what He is teaching us, they will have a better opportunity to know Him for themselves.
God’s word does not return void. He promised His word always produces fruit. It will accomplish what He intends (Isaiah 55:11). If we plant little seeds of truth in their minds, God will nurture those seeds and make them grow. It is not necessary for us to preach to our children or to give them in one sitting what has taken us a lifetime to learn. Instead, bits of truth woven through all our interactions with them–seeds planted–will take root and grow.
My children are now grown. Sometimes they amaze me with their insights. I still mention to them things I am learning, but my focus these days is more on my grandchildren. I give them truth straight from God’s word. I tell them how I have seen God work in my life and in our world. I am trusting God to grow whatever seeds I am able to plant.
And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. And you must commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands that I am giving you today. Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Deuteronomy 6:5-7 NLT
What do you think? I would love to hear your thoughts. Please leave a comment below.
Blessings,
Phyllis
Image by Anja from Pixabay
Copyright 2023 Phyllis l. Farringer
Thank you Mom, I speak for both of us that we appreciate your willingness to share God’s love and truth with us as we were growing up and still to this day! You both have given us a role model to do the same with our children as they grow up. Thank you Mom & Dad! We love you!
Thank you, Paul. To God be the glory.
Thank you, Phyllis. This is so true. I wish my journey had started much sooner than it did. But it’s never too late to grow in God and His Word.
Thank you, Elizabeth.
Wise counsel. Thank you!
Thank you, Debby.