![]() You can play a recording of a sermon or a Bible study. How might this work in practice? Someone (besides the driver!) can read something and then everyone can discuss what was read. Use such opportunities to talk with your children, keeping in mind that sometimes it is better if we are more attentive in listening than talking (and keep focused on driving, of course). Riding together in the car can have advantages if your children wish to talk. Walking and doing things together outdoors can be a very inspiring time to observe and talk about the marvels of God's creation. "When you walk by the way" means use the time while you are walking or traveling to talk about meaningful things. Stop and take advantage of opportunities whenever they arise because you may not see the same opportunity arise again to naturally and comfortably teach the same lesson. ![]() ![]() Take advantage of the time together! Children grow up fast. "When you sit in your house" means anytime the family is home. These many moments when we tie real-life experiences to God's point of view can benefit as much as the study times. Teaching implies a concentrated focus on family Bible study, while "talking" implies casual discussions and comments about godly principles.Īs the rest of verse 7 shows, these "talks," often brief, can take place at any and all times of the day as we go about other activities. This passage tells us to teach God's truths and then talk about them-have interactive discussions with our children about how to live by those truths. 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" (emphasis added). First notice verse 5: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength." To successfully teach our children or grandchildren, we must fully love God's ways ourselves.Ĭontinuing on in verses 6-7: "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. Now let's look carefully at God's instructions in Deuteronomy 6-for there is much more spiritual truth in the Old Testament, including this passage, than most people think. Learn to do them with your children and you will be greatly inspired and rewarded even as your children are learning and growing spiritually. They include countless precious memories of those times spent in family Bible study and family prayer. My wife and I look back on a lifetime of joyous memories of when our three children were growing up. God wants us to provide the spiritual food for a godly life that will result in eternal life! Otherwise, we are guilty of spiritual child neglect. But God wants parents to provide much more than just the necessities for physical health. Most parents want to be good providers, as we are admonished in 1 Timothy 5:8. As the saying goes, "As the twig is bent, so is the tree inclined." Children are naturally more teachable and pliable then. Secondly, childhood is by far the best time to start learning God's Word. Why is this so important? First, God's Word is the most important subject by far for our children! It should take priority over all the many other subjects we want our children to learn. ![]() Parents have the primary responsibility for teaching God's words and ways to their children, and sometimes grandparents and other family members can help as well.Ĭoncerning God's words, Moses was inspired to write, "Teach them to your children and your grandchildren" (Deuteronomy 4:9). It's quite obvious from reading 2 Timothy 1:5, where Paul wrote, "I call to remembrance the genuine faith that is in you, which dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice." His mother and grandmother had taught him God's Word and had been role models of faith! Paul also reminded Timothy of "from whom you have learned" the Holy Scriptures (verse 14). Just think! Before reaching adulthood, Timothy was already familiar with the writings of God's instruction book! How much was that worth? Priceless! The apostle Paul reminded him, "From childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation" (2 Timothy 3:15). Timothy was blessed with something very valuable.
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