SATURDAY August 14, 2021

Diligently Teach Your Children

“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”
Deuteronomy 6:6-7

Fathers and mothers have a great responsibility to teach their children about God’s ways. They are to pass on the knowledge of the Lord to the next generation. Children need to learn lessons of faith and to know how to call on the name of the Lord.

There are many fathers throughout the Bible: Moses, Joshua, Eli, Samuel, David, and Solomon. Some successfully passed on the knowledge of God to their children. Some fathers failed in their duty to disciple their children. Eli’s sons were unrestrained and wicked. The Lord desired they die in battle (1 Samuel 2:12-4:22). David pampered Absalom and his failure to discipline him had terrible consequences. Absalom turned against his father and was also killed in battle (2 Samuel 15-18).

God’s commands for parents were given to Moses. He told God’s people: You shall teach them [God’s Word] diligently to your children... A father and mother must make the time to diligently teach their children the Scriptures. Parents can talk to their children about the Lord in any place:

“...and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7).

Parents, do not just teach your children whenever you like it, diligently teach them in every opportunity. Teach them in your home, on the patio and when they go to bed. Place God’s Word on your walls so they can read Scriptures. When you teach them the Word of God, when they are older they will not reject it. Be faithful in praying for them. God’s Word does not come back void. God honors His Word.

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.
~Proverbs 22:6~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!