“…commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these commands…repeat them…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 6:6-7

“I expect the church to give my children religious instruction,” stated Jack. “That’s why I drop them off on Sundays. A little Bible is good for everybody.” Reggie nodded his approval. “You’re a good dad. Soon as basketball season is over, and before soccer, I’m gonna get my kids in church too. I don’t wanna force it. They can pick out their own religion when they’re older.”

This cowardly approach is popular with parents who consider it the responsibility of the school, the coach, or the church to train their children. But notice that this verse is a command to parents about training their own children. Parents must first commit themselves to God’s commandments before they can instill those commands in their children’s hearts. This is impossible when parents and kids only connect through a high-five on the way out the door. An hour on Sunday morning is not what this verse means. God knows that kids learn best by watching the parents. Training our children in the way they should go means spiritual instruction takes place all the time: in the car, at the store, while brushing teeth, or tucking in at night. Sports are great, but sports won’t take them to heaven. Dance is fun, but dance won’t make them disciples. Children learn to prioritize by watching what’s important to Mom and Dad. When busyness keeps us from obeying God’s instruction, we fail our kids and Him.

Final Thought:

Are you committed wholeheartedly to God’s commands? Are you talking with your kids about them daily?

Prayer:

Father, this convicts me. Life is so hectic right now that I make excuses for not instilling your word in my kids’ hearts. I feel pressure to have them in every activity, but I’m skimping on what matters. I commit to change. In Jesus’ name, Amen.