Growing Multigenerational Faithಮಾದರಿ

There are so many action words in these verses! Repeat, talk, tie, write, etc. These communicate a clear call to teach our children about God’s instructions. This mandate is to be carried everywhere, at all times – at home, on the road, when getting up, when going to bed. A daunting responsibility!

Though every parent knows that a LOT of teaching and learning happens before kids ever start “school,” we rarely think of all of that learning as “education.” Yet every moment of every day is packed with opportunities to teach and learn, just like these verses describe. Life brings us a smorgasbord of lessons. Sometimes we teach from necessity, like when our kids misbehave in the grocery store line. Other times we get to choose, like when we see a pretty sunset, or when a child asks, “What do the worms eat?” But there’s no denying that kids are constantly learning from what we do, say, don’t do, and don’t say.

This call to “obey” and teach the next generation isn’t only a call to DO; it’s a call to BE. A lot of what we want to teach is more likely to be ‘caught’ than ‘taught.’ We do well to remember that it is difficult to pass on to others what we do not possess ourselves. The greater context of these verses shows us that they are directed to God’s people as a whole. So let’s not simply add another thing to our checklist for being a good Christian; let’s work TOGETHER toward a deeper obedience.

Let’s take action! Ask hard questions, be curious. Let’s help each other grow by living in an authentic community, sharing what we are learning about God to encourage each other on our discipleship journey. And let’s train up our kids out of the overflow of that wholehearted, community-wide dependence on God.

Sylvia and Dwight F. - Worship, Children

Questions to Consider

• Where do you see God “along the way” in your life?
• Who has been someone who has helped you be a strong witness to your family or others?

Actions to Take

• Look for an object lesson to express belief and faith to a family member - share it!
• Encourage another person by telling them how you have seen them show Jesus and be Jesus in the world.

Prayer to Make

Holy Spirit, help the thoughts I have and the words I speak today reflect you to those I am with - especially my family. Amen.