What to teach your children

Before returning to heaven, Jesus told his disciples to go and teach all nations the good news of the gospel.  Sadly, we must admit that we are losing our own nation. In order to reach the lost in the regions beyond, it is imperative that we reclaim those closest to us. This focus must begin with our homes. Yes, we must still pray, strategize, and support missionaries to reach all nations, but we must not overlook our first obligation: to teach our own children.

In Deuteronomy 4:8,9, God tells Moses and the nation of Israel, “And what nation is there so great, that hath statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law, which I set before you this day? Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons;” In this passage, God reminds his chosen people of the importance to teach the Commandments to their children. God had delivered this nation out of Egypt with many signs and wonders and did not want them to forget who was their Leader.

But God knew there would come a time when there would be a generation that would not know of God’s works, unless those who were eyewitnesses told it to their children. When they would forget what God had done, they would soon worship false idols. Not only did God want the people to know what He had done, but he wanted them to know who He was. In verse 24, it says, “The LORD thy God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God.” In verse 31, it reads, “The LORD thy God is a merciful God.” Life would be good so long as they obeyed God’s commands; but there would be a curse should they disobey.

There are some things we must teach our children, lest they forget God and go astray. First, we must teach them Theology: this is who God is. Secondly, they must know true History: this is what God has done. Next, we should teach our children Scripture: this is what God has said. Then we must give God’s Warnings of what the consequences are should we turn from him and His Word. Lastly, we must teach them our Heritage – This is from where God has led us and how we got to where we are today.

   

The home must be more than a place to eat and sleep. It is meant to be a place where families may grow to know God. The Bible should be a familiar member of the family: often seen, read, and lived. Unfortunately, many parents have forgotten God and now we have a generation that is forsaking Him. God’s Word has little relevance and we are reaping the consequences as a nation for our sin of idolatry. It is high time we awake and remember the greatest treasure we parents may pass on to our children is the Bible and an understanding of our living God.