Main Thought
Where does God want people to experience Him for the first time? In a church, a conference, or maybe even a concert? The Bible is clear: a child’s first experience (or introduction to God) is actually meant to be in the home. If a Christian parent’s goal is to educate their children on God’s principles, then that parent must first embrace God’s principles for themselves. The best way to teach love isn’t by mandating it - it’s by modeling it. (Jesus did this when He perfectly fulfilled the Great Commandments to love God and others with His death on the Cross.) Then, God intends for parents to teach their children His Word and ways diligently. We can intentionally seek regular opportunities, or capitalize on random ones. In addition to teaching and instruction, we’re meant to impart love for God through our passionate examples. Some things are caught, not taught. Those who don’t have their own children can assist and support parents in many ways as a part of the Church, which is a very important part of Christian family.
Main Passages
4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, 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. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
- Deuteronomy 6:4-9
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
- Matthew 28:18-20
Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
- Ephesians 6:1-4
Discussion Questions
What stands out to you in the Main Thought and Passages above?
Did anyone in your family teach you about God in an impactful way? Who was it, and how did they do it?
How can you be a blessing to the Next Generation, and teach them the ways of the Lord?