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"The Bible tells us to be careful, “lest any man spoil you through
philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the
rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” (Colossians 2:8)We have to go back to the word of God and look at his command to us as parents.
Ephesians 6:4 addresses fathers and says, “bring up your children in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
Deuteronomy 6:5-7 tells us, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, 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.”
Dueteronomy 6:5-7 compels us to consider the who, what, how, when, where and why of teaching our children.
Who are we teaching? Our children.
What will we teach? Love for God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength.
How will we teach this? By exemplifying it first then being intentional about teaching them – mentoring and discipleship style.
When will we teach this? Everyday, moment by moment.
Where will we teach this? Everywhere possible.
Why should we teach this? Let’s look at the preceding passages…
The backdrop to Deuteronomy 6:5-7 can be found in Deuteronomy 5. Moses gives the 10 commandments to the Israelites (again) and the people convey their desire to follow God. In response, God says in Deutereonomy 5:29, “Oh that they had such a heart in them, that they would fear Me and keep all My commandments always, that it may be well with them and with their sons forever!” We see the heart of the Lord – his desire to bless his people. The laws and statues of God have always been intended for the greater good of people. But, wait a minute, does this all apply to us if it these passages were referring to the Jews?And what should this person be like? To what aim are we going to home educate our children? True success is a person who loves God with all his heart, soul, mind, and strength, who love others, makes disciples (Christ-committed followers) and lives for the glory of God.
Our children are created by God, for God. Colossians 1:16 tells us, For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities— all things have been created through Him and for Him.
Parenting is a stewardship. We don’t have the liberty to treat our children however we want to, nor do we have the liberty to do whatever we want to with our children. While they were born to us, they exist for the purposes of God. So we have to ask God, “How do you want us to raise our kids?” He will certainly not say things like, shout at them when you are angry, lose your temper, or spoil them!
Our children are created in the image of God – uniquely designed, gifted and purposed. “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:27).However, our work is hardly over. When a child prays the “sinner’s prayer,” it is merely the beginning of his faith journey – one that will require us to shepherd him through it. Our children need discipline, training and discipleship from parents. Proverbs 19:18 reminds us, “Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death.”
We must do everything we can to raise our kids to love God by teaching them about the Bible, helping them to grow in character, disciplining them when necessary, praying faithfully, leading by example, and “training them in the way they should go.” (Proverbs 22:6) We may make mistakes and our kids may still make sinful choices from time to time. But we can remain confident that God is at work in their innermost being to change them into the person he wants them to be."
~Joy
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