“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one“
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, 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. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates” (Deuteronomy 6:1-9, ESV).
One of my frustrations during my youth ministry years in the local church involved conversations with parents about encouraging their students to be involved in the student ministry. Many parents would respond, “Well Johnny and/or Julie are maturing and need to learn to make their own decisions about church.” I responded, “So, you let them decide whether or not they will go to school tomorrow?” “Of course, not,” came the reply. “They have to go to school.” Then I would state, “So, school is required, but church attendance is optional.” These parents were failing in their God-given responsibility to give spiritual direction to their children.
Graham Nash wrote the song, “Teach Your Children” that was recorded by Crosby, Steel, Nash, and Young in 1969. The song was written in the midst of the antiwar movement of the period. Nash wrote the song out of concern that parents would teach their children about the horrors of war and the need for peace. The song also addresses the truth that parents have much to learn from their children. Nash’s work speaks to our times as well. Many parents are allowing and even encouraging their elementary-age children to make their own decisions related to gender preferences that bear the burden of lifelong consequences. Today we are just beginning to see the tip of the iceberg that is yet to come related to gender dysphoria. God has entrusted parents with the stewardship of our children. We are responsible to the Lord for how we raise them. Many other forces in our culture seek the opportunity to replace our God-given parenting roles so they can influence our children according to their beliefs and philosophies.
The context of Deuteronomy is Moses’ final address to the children of Israel, the group he has led for more than 40 years. He begins his address by offering a brief history of the wilderness journey including the people’s constant rebellion and sinful choices. In chapter 5, he reviews the law given by the Lord at Sinai. Then he moves into the heart of God’s call to obedience in the text above. Children are to be taught God’s Word constantly and consistently because it is instructive for life, liberty, salvation, and spiritual formation. Many in our culture are working to destroy biblical faith, the nuclear family, and the spiritual principles of the Scriptures. However, the Lord reveals that the Bible offers words of life and spiritual liberty.
Biblical Truths to Ponder
- There is only one God. He manifests himself in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but he is uniquely and mysteriously one. He is the Creator of all that exists, who offers redemption and salvation to all who receive him.
- Love God with all your heart and all your soul and all your might. Jesus referred to this text as the primary commandment for our lives. Love for God along with love for our neighbors are the foundational cornerstone that all of the law and the prophets depend (Matt 22:35-40). Our relationship with God is preeminent in our lives. It matters more than anything else. This love for God includes our feelings, our intellect, our strength, and all of our being.
- The Words of the Scriptures are to be on our hearts constantly. As we walk with God, his Word guides and strengthens our spiritual lives. We are commanded to meditate on his word constantly (Josh 1:8).
- Teach God’s Word diligently to your children and talk of it when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. I recall when my son, Stephen, was about 3 years old. I was leaving for work one morning and he asked if I had my Bible. We had never discussed this issue, but he had observed that I regularly took my Bible with me to work. He knew it was important to me. What values are you instilling in your children?
- Keep God’s Word ever before you. Hang it on your doorposts and in your house.
