I was interrupted by the mall security guard tapping me on the shoulder. “Excuse me, Ma’am. You’re going to have to lower your voice. People at the other end of the mall reported hearing you screaming.” I stared at him in wide-eyed amazement as my teenage children cracked up laughing at the situation. We were in the mall arcade playing a “car racing” video game. While driving at high speeds (with numerous crashes) I became so engrossed that I was unaware of laughing, squealing, and screaming at the top of my lungs throughout each race!
What does this have to do with training the next generation? Read to the end to find out! Training our children to love God must be incorporated into the everyday fabric of life. Here are five suggestions for applying Deuteronomy 6:5-8:
You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words . . . shall be on your heart. 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.
1. Modeling
When your children grow up, do you want them to have the same level of commitment to the Word and prayer that you have? Are you allowing them to see the value of sacred things? Do they know God is your first love and priority?
I told my children: “You don’t want to talk to Mommy before Jesus does, because He needs to straighten out my attitude every morning before I start my day.”
One morning a friend phoned and asked to speak with me. My young son replied, “Oh, I’m sorry she can’t talk to you right now. God’s still meeting with Mommy.” When she told me about this later, I was amused but also grateful he’d noticed it was important for God to “meet with Mommy.”
2. Grabbing Teachable Moments
Watch for every opportunity to insert little bits of truth about God. Point out to your children His work in your life and in the world around them. Train them with expressions of gratitude to Him throughout the day: being thankful for the sunshine, for running water, puppy dogs, good friends, and hot chocolate! Take every opportunity to encourage your children to view God as good and the provider of all good things.
3. Intentional Teaching
I encourage mothers to have regular times of instruction with a child’s devotional or Bible story book. As they get older, there are several great resources and Bible studies–as well as opportunities to serve in ministry activities together.
4. Interceding in Prayer
Prayer is the greatest parenting help available. Rather than focusing on “changing your child,” go to God with your concerns, with needed attitude adjustments, and with sinful habits. Ask Him to change your child’s heart, because He is the only One who can accomplish real change.
5. Laughter and Joy
Now–the point of my opening illustration: Have fun with your kids!
If you convey to them the great truths of Scripture, drill the necessary do’s and don’ts of godly behavior, if you’re meeting with God in prayer daily–but you never laugh together and your life is joyless–what have you communicated? You’ve trained your children to believe there is no joy in righteousness. And that simply isn’t true. In the presence of Christ is fullness of joy–and they need to experience that truth with you daily.
There is much more to say on this topic, but I want to hear from you. What are some ways you incorporate the principle of Deuteronomy 6 into your daily life? How are you training the next generation?
Comments
*The following comments do not necessarily reflect the views of Revive Our Hearts. We reserve the right to remove comments which might be unhelpful, unsuitable, or inappropriate.
on Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 11:22 am
on Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 11:44 am
Just as I was reading this post, my girls and I were down here in the playroom/schoolroom listening to music, laughing and singing together--yes, it's the middle of the school day, but we took a little break from it. :)
One other thing--I'm taking my three girls who fit the age category(7-12 yrs.) to the "Pure in Heart" conference in Colleyville, TX in just two weeks.
on Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 12:12 pm
Wow, this is just the passage (Deut. 6) our Pastor was teaching from on Sunday, emphasizing the importance of "having the Word of God written all over your life", especially in training children. I love it when God talks to me like this! I do need to be reminded to take time to have fun with my children too -- yes, that is important. Thank you.
We have a daily "Bible Time" where we read a little from the Bible (and talk about it), and are also reading Bruce Ware's book (very slowly, for younger ages) and discussing it. We read "Leading Little Ones to Christ" already. It is such a blessing to be able to impart spiritual truth to my children! My husband often reads the Bible to us at dinner (and discusses it) -- often his food is getting cold while we're all eating and listening -- I admire his commitment! He also does the "Bible Time" on the weekends, when he can. I find that having a regular time is half the battle, for those who may be wanting to start something regular with their children. It doesn't have to be long, but consistency is a key! The Lord will bless your efforts if you, as a Christian mom (or dad), set out to do this!
I have learned also that just knowing the Word isn't enough for children (though the Word is a crucial foundation). Kim, you are so right that only God can truly change their hearts, and we must pray diligently for them, and live out a true relationship with our Lord before them. (And remember to laugh and have fun with them too, as you said!)
In His love,
on Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 12:45 pm
on Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 1:14 pm
on Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 1:34 pm
on Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 2:49 pm
on Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 2:55 pm
Recently, we have been reading throught the Bible (NIV early reader's version) one chapter a day, and after our reading time (at the breakfast table) I draw on a large peace of paper with black marker what they remember about the story and then they color it in. Sometimes, we act out what we read instead. We began doing this because I became convicted that my girls (who are 2 & 5)really needed to hear the Bible itself.
We have only been doing this for about 2 weeks, but already, I am seeing the fruit of God's word seeping into their little hearts. The other day, I heard them pretending to be Noah, and they were thanking God for saving them from the flood. Just yesterday, my 2 year old, at another mealtime said, "Mommy, can you read the Bible to us?" I might have cried a little tear of joy! This interest in God'word was an answer to my prayers for them.
on Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 3:38 pm
on Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 6:04 pm
I'm thankful to see that the resources I recommend to moms have already been mentioned here.
I can't wait to see what the Lord will do with your children. I'm so thankful to hear of so many moms who are pouring truth into these young hearts.
I pray God will raise up your children as warriors for Him!
on Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 9:45 pm
Today I was making the best of a situation where I could of gotten upset with my husband. It struck me funny, and I couldn't help but laugh. Out streamed lemonaide..out of my nose.
God sure works in mysterious ways His wonders to behold....
Must be all that NLD teaching coming out of my system in a sweet spirit of lemonaide...
Love In Christ,
LDN
on Friday, October 30, 2009 at 2:11 am
on Friday, October 30, 2009 at 10:36 pm
on Saturday, October 31, 2009 at 10:31 am
I want to encourage you that although it is best for the father to be involved in the spiritual training of your children, God can use you feel as a powerful influence in their lives.
The young pastor Timothy was trained by his grandmother and mother (2 Timothy 1:5). My own husband (who is a pastor) was faithfully taken to church as a child by his mother alone.
The important thing is to allow your children to see Christ in you, as you relate to them and to their dad. Love on them, share truth with them, pray with them, train them in the Word as you can -- and have fun with them
You've been much on my heart and I've been praying for you. God can capture your husband's heart. I pray that he will see Christ in you and be drawn to Him.
You are in my prayers.
on Saturday, October 31, 2009 at 7:47 pm
on Monday, November 2, 2009 at 5:42 am