Raising children is a great responsibility. Parents know that they must provide food and clothing, but do we understand the essential nature of the character development of our children? The book of Deuteronomy provides instructions on the importance of training the next generation. It is essential that our children have moral instruction but it starts with the parents. You can’t show the way if you don’t know the way, so God starts with the parents. If we are to teach others then we must have the proper moral foundation:

Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5)

The adage is true, more is caught than taught. If God’s word is not on our hearts, then we won’t be able to effectively teach others. Children may ignore what you say, but your actions will influence their behavior. Your heart must be right, God is not expecting perfect performance, but is looking for perfect desire.

These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart. (Deuteronomy 6:6)

You must model the behavior you wish to see. It is reported that Socrates declared, “Could I climb to the highest place in Athens, I would lift my voice and proclaim, ‘Fellow citizens, why do you turn and scrape every stone to gather wealth and take so little care of your children to who one day you must relinquish it all.'” We must not only know the way, but we must also show the way:

You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. (Deuteronomy 6:7)

The word diligently conveys the idea to sharpen a knife. We are to sharpen, equip, and train our children so that they are ready for life. This is not a one time lesson, but it takes consistent training. Parents can become so concerned about their children’s academic and athletic progress, that they neglect their spiritual health. Teaching the next generation involves both formal and informal times of instruction.

The formal times may be when you sit in your house for mealtime. This is an ideal time for discussing spiritual principles. This is not lecturing or moralizing, but talking about what God is teaching you. We also see informal times of instruction, as you are out and about in the world. Jesus often used the everyday occurrences of life to teach deep spiritual truths.

God’s word should be the last thing on our minds and our first thoughts when we arise. God has called us teach our children. You may not be able to control the outcome, but you can control the process. May God richly bless you as you train your children in their spiritual development.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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