How can we "teach them the statutes" in our daily lives today? Setting the Context “Teach them the statutes and laws, and show them the way to walk and the work they are to do.” (Exodus 18:20) Moses was urged by his father-in-law to ground the people in God’s commands and model obedience. That same call rests on us today. Living the Lesson of Exodus 18:20 • Teach the statutes – communicate God’s Word clearly. • Show the way to walk – demonstrate a lifestyle that aligns with Scripture. • Show the work to do – coach others in practical obedience and service. Practical Ways to Teach the Statutes • Read aloud: Start or end the day with a short reading; let children hear the rhythms of Scripture (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). • Memorize together: Post a weekly verse on the fridge or lock-screen (Psalm 119:11). • Story-based teaching: Recount biblical narratives at the dinner table; ask everyone to restate the main lesson in their own words. • Scripture songs: Play worship music that quotes the Bible to help truth stick. • Leverage technology: Share a verse image or a brief voice message with family or friends during the day. • Model open Bibles: Keep a well-used Bible visible; even its placement testifies that God’s Word is central. • Reinforce through correction: When discipline is needed, connect behavior to clear verses rather than mere preferences (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Modeling the Way to Walk • Integrity at work: Complete tasks “as unto the Lord,” even when no one watches (Colossians 3:23). • Honoring speech: Refuse gossip or crude jokes; let “gracious words” mark every conversation (Ephesians 4:29). • Sabbath rhythm: Guard a weekly day of rest and worship; explain why it matters (Exodus 20:8-11). • Visible gratitude: Pause to thank God before meals, purchases, or decisions—teaching that everything is received from His hand. • Quick repentance: Confess sin promptly and openly; children learn confession by watching it modeled. Showing the Work They Are to Do • Household service: Assign age-appropriate chores framed as stewardship of God’s gifts. • Community outreach: Visit a shut-in, serve at a food bank, or write encouragement cards—then connect each act to Matthew 25:40. • Hospitality: Invite neighbors for a meal; let family help cook, greet, and clean, learning that ministry starts at the door. • Missions mindset: Pray regularly for missionaries; map their locations to spark global vision (Matthew 28:19-20). • Financial generosity: Involve children in setting aside first-fruits for church and charity; let them drop the envelope in the offering plate. Staying Anchored in the Word • Personal devotion: Guard a daily appointment with God’s Word; overflow fuels our teaching. • Family worship: Sing, read, and discuss even if it’s only ten minutes—consistency outweighs length. • Small-group fellowship: Study with other believers for mutual sharpening (Proverbs 27:17). • Regular reflection: Journal answered prayers and insights; review them to celebrate God’s faithfulness. • Continual dependence: “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105) By weaving Scripture into conversation, example, and shared service, we obey Exodus 18:20 today—equipping those around us to know, walk in, and work out the unchanging statutes of the living God. |
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