“And these words which I am commanding you this day shall be written first in your own minds and hearts; then you shall whet and sharpen them…to make them penetrate, and teach and impress them diligently upon the minds and hearts of your own children…” Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (AMPC)
These were the commandments God gave Moses to teach the children of Israel so they could, in turn, teach their children so that they all remain faithful to Him.
Parents have had this responsibility from the beginning of time to teach and instruct their children, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6 – KJV says. Teaching and instruction come not only from the words we speak but also from the way we conduct ourselves, the way we relate to others, and the way we live our lives in the presence of our children. Parents must be convinced of this and must be intentional about setting a good example always. This responsibility is not for biological parents only, but for all adults who have the opportunity to influence those around them, especially children and youths.
The Apostle Paul, in his writings to Timothy, his co-worker whom he saw as his own son, instructed and encouraged him while reminding him of the perils he would face from those who would oppose him, and how he himself suffered persecutions with patience, love, and endurance (2nd Timothy 3:11-17). We likewise must not hide the truth from our children but must charge them to be steadfast in their faith even in challenging times, never forgetting the Scriptures which are “…profitable for…reproof, for correction, [and] for instruction in righteousness” – 2nd Timothy 3:16 (KJV).
Parents, we cannot afford to fail when we are given this wonderful opportunity to influence the succeeding generation for good. We must point them like arrows in the hand of a mighty warrior in the direction they were created to go.
Prayer
Our Father in heaven, help us to understand the true meaning of parenthood and to exercisè our God-given abilities as parents of the Bible. Let us make the best use of the time You give us with our children so that Your name will be glorified in them; in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Read: Isaiah 1:19; John 15:10
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 97; 1 Corinthians 9:19-27; 1 Corinthians 10:1-13; 2 Chronicles 2; 2 Chronicles 3; 2 Chronicles 4; 2 Chronicles 5:1