In what ways can we teach our children to observe God's commands? The Anchor Verse “Carefully keep the commandments of the LORD your God and the testimonies and statutes He has commanded you.” (Deuteronomy 6:17) Why This Matters Children learn what God values when parents treat His commands as precious, practical, and non-negotiable. Pass the Torch Daily Deuteronomy 6:6-9 shows how: • Talk of God’s words “when you sit… when you walk… when you lie down… when you rise.” • Tie reminders “as symbols on your hands” and “write them on the doorposts.” Practical ideas: – Read a short passage at breakfast and ask, “What does this teach us about God?” – Memorize a verse together while driving. – Place Scripture art in bedrooms and common areas. Model Obedience Openly • 1 Corinthians 11:1—“Imitate me, as I imitate Christ.” Children mirror what they see. • Confess your own failures and show repentance in real time. • Let them watch you serve, give, and forgive. Leverage Everyday Moments • Proverbs 3:5-6 when facing a tough decision: “Let’s trust the Lord together.” • Colossians 3:23 while doing chores: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart.” • James 1:17 at birthdays and holidays: “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” Build Rhythms of Remembrance • Celebrate answered prayer with a family “praise jar.” • Mark anniversaries of God’s faithfulness (Joshua 4:6-7). • Sing Scripture-based songs during family worship (Colossians 3:16). Discipline That Disciple • Hebrews 12:11—discipline “yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” • Clearly connect correction to God’s standards, not parental irritation. • Always restore relationship, illustrating God’s grace. Guard Their Gates • Psalm 101:3—“I will set no worthless thing before my eyes.” • Monitor media, friendships, and activities; replace harmful influences with edifying ones. • Encourage friendships with peers who also honor God (Proverbs 13:20). Equip for Spiritual Battle • Ephesians 6:10-18—teach the armor of God piece by piece. • Train them to pray Scripture aloud when afraid or tempted (Psalm 56:3; 1 Corinthians 10:13). • Explain cultural challenges through a biblical lens so they recognize deception. Keep the Gospel Central • Remind them obedience does not earn salvation; it flows from loving God (John 14:15). • Share how Christ fulfilled the law perfectly on our behalf (Romans 8:3-4). • Point every command back to the cross, where mercy meets righteousness. Fruit to Expect Psalm 78:6-7 envisions children who “put their confidence in God, not forgetting His works but keeping His commandments.” Faithful, persistent teaching—grounded in Scripture and lived out before them—by God’s grace produces the next generation of wholehearted disciples. |
    |