How can we teach God's commandments to our children daily, as instructed here? Setting the Foundation: God’s Call to Intentional Teaching “Teach them to your children, speaking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” (Deuteronomy 11:19) God places parents at the front line of discipleship. His command is comprehensive—covering every setting of daily life—because children learn best through consistent, lived-out truth. Why This Matters • Passing on the faith is not optional; it is covenant obedience (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). • When parents tell the coming generation of “the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD,” children set their hope in God and do not forget His works (Psalm 78:5-7). • Scripture equips “from infancy” for salvation through faith in Christ (2 Timothy 3:15). Natural Rhythms for Teaching God’s Word 1. When you sit at home • Family meals: read a brief passage, then let each person share one takeaway. • Evening recap: ask, “Where did we see God’s goodness today?” connect answers to a verse. 2. When you walk along the road • Drive time: play an audio Bible or Scripture-based songs; discuss a verse’s meaning. • Errands and nature walks: point out creation’s design (Romans 1:20) and link to Genesis 1. 3. When you lie down • Bedtime blessing: speak Numbers 6:24-26 or Psalm 4:8 over each child. • Nightly reflection: share one sin confessed and one grace received; model repentance and faith (1 John 1:9). 4. When you get up • Morning declaration: recite Lamentations 3:22-23 together, thanking God for new mercies. • Breakfast Scripture: place a verse card at the table; rotate weekly for memorization. Tools That Reinforce Scripture Daily • Visual cues: post Deuteronomy 6:5 or Philippians 4:8 at light switches, mirrors, and doorframes. • Scripture memory: use call-and-response or song to memorize verses as a family. • Story Bibles: read age-appropriate retellings that stay close to the text, then open the actual passage. • Catechism: short Q&A format embeds doctrine (Ephesians 6:4). • Family worship: one hymn, one passage, one brief explanation—keep it simple and consistent. Modeling: The Living Curriculum • Authenticity: admit failures, seek forgiveness, and show how the gospel restores. • Service: involve children in acts of kindness; connect deeds to Matthew 5:16. • Stewardship: pray before paying bills or shopping, acknowledging God as Provider (James 1:17). • Conflict resolution: practice Matthew 18 principles in front of your children. Encouragement for the Journey Teaching God’s commandments is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay faithful, trust the Spirit’s work (John 14:26), and remember: “Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9) |
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