Teach Your Children Well

Deuteronomy 11:18-21, 26-28

Throughout the Bible we read how seriously and important the Lord places the rearing of children to be.  From a very early age He desires parents to instruct and teach their children His Word.  We read one such command from the Lord in today’s passage from the Book of Deuteronomy.  This book of the Old Testament encompasses the final words and instructions of Moses to the people of Israel, just prior to their entrance into the Promised Land.  Throughout this book of the Bible, and in numerous other places of Scripture we are told how important it is to instruct our children and grandchildren in God’s Word, even from a very early age.  As we look into these Scriptures, let’s see what we can learn.

In the past several decades there have been people who have pushed the idea that parents should not be teaching or instructing children in their religious faith, and that it is best to let the children decide for themselves what they will believe.  Some of these free-thinkers even suggest that a parent should not be imparting their morality or ethical thinking on their children.  They feel that children should be left to come to their own beliefs and ideas on their own, with no help or guidance from any adult.

This is completely contrary to what the Lord God has said.  Children are His gift and His blessing, and throughout Scripture He instructs parents to teach them His Words (vs. 19).  Freethinkers often say to let the child decide what to believe.  How can a child tell the difference between what is right and what is wrong?  With a lot of grown-ups still struggling with that, it is especially difficult for a child to discern, yet that is something so important to learn.  It is not good to just leave that for the child to decide.  They will grab at the first flashy thing with shiny ribbons on it.  Then when they find that there is a hook in it, it’s too late.  Wrong ideas come packed with so much sparkle, and then when they are in trouble, it’s too late to realize the right idea was better in the long run.

Without any grounding in the Word of God and His truth, Satan will lure our children down the wrong path.  It’s up to Christian parents to teach them God’s way from the very start, before it’s too late.  We all like to have a map or some sort of directions before we head off on a trip to an unfamiliar place.  Life is an unknown journey, and without any sort of guidance one can find themselves in a mess of trouble or even danger, and then end life heading in the wrong direction, to an eternity of damnation.  No true Christian would want that for their children!  God’s Word is our map through life, leading us to an eternity with Him.

In our Scripture passage God tells His children to put His Word up throughout their homes (vs. 20-21).  Many Christians have artwork in their homes that incorporate words of Scripture in them.  Keeping God’s Word in front of us throughout the day reminds us of His truths, and helps us all to memorize it.  As we teach the Bible to our children and grandchildren, we are also learning it’s truths ourselves.  Teaching God’s message of grace should be our first priority as parents and grandparents.

As our passage continues, Moses urges the people to make the right choice in their lives (vs. 26-28).  Both Israel and God had agreed to the terms of the covenant they had together.  The blessings God promised the people would benefit them if they kept their part of the covenant.  The curses would fall on them if they broke the covenant, thus forfeiting God’s blessings.  They had the choice between blessings and curses. Unfortunately throughout Israel’s history their disobedience brought the curses upon them.

God offers us the same choice.  If we choose Jesus Christ for our Savior, and worship only Him, if we read and obey His Word, we will receive His blessings.  However if we run after false gods and philosophies in our life, if we follow our own way rather than His Word, we will reap the curses.  What choice will we make?  Choose wisely!