“These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NIV)
Devotion:
“Children Say the Darndest Things” was a popular television show years ago hosted by the famous personality Art Linkletter. He would ask children several innocent questions about everyday life and then simply sit back and listen to their hilarious answers. It always seemed funny to me because they weren’t MY children answering. But one day that all changed.
My three year old daughter and I stopped at our church to leave some information with the secretary when the minister came in the door.
He gave us a big smile and greeting and then said “My goodness, I can’t believe how hot it is out there, even for August! It’s terrible! I can hardly stand it!”
Immediately my little daughter piped up “My mother says you should always remember Philippians 2:14. Do everything without grumbling or complaining.”
Silence. Well, except for the moment my jaw dropped to the floor. But before I could think of a thing to say, the minister stepped in.
“You know what? You are exactly right. I should not complain about something like hot weather because before long I will be complaining about cold weather. I just need to thank the Lord for what He has given us.” A gracious man with a gracious answer.
What he didn’t know was that I had been repeating that particular Scripture over and over to my two older children as I explained to them why it was so important to get rid of the habit of complaining about everything – like they had been doing.
What I hadn’t realized was that my youngest child – the one I hadn’t even been speaking to – had been listening to my talks with her siblings and had memorized those wise words from the Lord.
Today’s Key Scripture in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 is vitally important to those of us raising children and grandchildren in today’s world. It says “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” The message is twofold.
First, as a parent or grandparent, we need to understand why God has given us these commandments to “be upon your hearts.” In order to be able to differentiate between what He wants in our lives and what the world says is important, we have to look for truth – truth that is only found in the Bible. It’s virtually impossible for us to share what we have not read. So we must dig in the Word. Every day.
Secondly, we are told to share that truth from the Lord with our children, no matter where we are: driving to a basketball game; at bedtime; around the dinner table; while our little ones are splashing in the bathtub.
Now understand that does not mean that we follow them around, shouting Scriptures and demanding they shout them back until every word is memorized! What it does mean is using those teachable moments to share how a truth from God’s Word could help guide them or their friends in a tough situation.
My encouragement to each of you is to soak up God’s Word in your hearts so you can always be ready to share with your children what the Creator of the Universe wants for their lives.
My Prayer for Today:
Father, I desire with all my heart for my children and grandchildren to know your Word and to know you. Please guide me as I share your heart with them. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Reflection:
Can you remember the last Scripture you shared with your children and the reason you told them they needed to memorize it and its meaning?
Application:
In your study of God’s Word, memorize a Scripture each week that you can share with your children.
Watch for moments when you can share that Scripture with them and explain how it has helped you in your life. Encourage them to memorize the Scripture.
Power Verses:
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (NIV) “These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
Isaiah 55:11 (NIV) “So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
Proverbs 22:6 (NIV) “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.”
(For more of Nancy Hughes' writing and information about her books, check out her website.)
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