Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Two weeks ago at the Southside Lectures Russ Bowman presented a lesson simply entitled, “Train Your Children.”

It was personal. Powerful. And penetrating. It was the impassioned plea of a father who has raised his children, continues to care about them, and fervently desires for Christian parents to seriously consider their God given family responsibilities

While I wrote down some notes, I mainly tried to listen and soak up the message. This post is a combination of some specific points, and my personal observations.

Russ opined that the exhortations given by Moses were to the “Greatest Generation” in the Old Testament. He suggested it was because they had survived the wilderness. They had seen death, destruction and disobedience to the Lord. 603, 548 men of war died during that period. Only the faithful soldiers, Caleb and Joshua were allowed to enter the Promised Land.

This generation came, saw and conquered Canaan. They followed Joshua. Served God. And received the Abrahamic promise. It is to these people, now grown with their own children, that Moses offered this warning.

4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.
5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.
6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart
7 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.
8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes.
9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.

Parents, think about the importance of these issues as you raise your children to be Kingdom Citizens.

#1 Are you exemplifying Godly devotion to your children?

Is God absolute in your life? Do you role-model before your children your faith in Him? Your love for Him? Your devotion to Him?

Moses reminds them and us that there is only one God. He is “The God.” Idolatry is sinful. Regardless if it is in the form of a carved image, or the worship of material possessions, the exaltation of secular success, or the idolization of sports and pop stars.

Is your devotion singular? Above all else can your kids see you practicing the spiritual priorities you profess? Is your affection and affinity focused on “things that are above” more than “things that are earthly?” (Col. 3:1-2)

#2 Are your teaching your children to trust God?

I noticed that regardless of the topic, the issue of trust was one in which Russ often spoke in his four lectures. “Trust in the Lord” is a repeated refrain in the Old Testament. The wise man admonished, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding” (Prov. 3:5).

In a culture that puts trust in worldly wisdom, secular education, human ingenuity, technological advancements, and political solutions, we must put our faith in God. Trust Him above all else. And convey that confidence to our children in both word and deed.

#3 Are you intentional in your children’s spiritual training?

Taking them to church, Bible classes, and an annual VBS won’t by itself accomplish grounding them in spiritual values. It must be done daily. On purpose. By Moms and Dads.

In a truly Christian home, God’s Word is constantly reinforced at every turn. When you are sitting around the house. In your daily walk. When you get up in the morning. When you go to bed at night.

Note the expressions used by Moses on how the Word regulates our lives and what they mean.

• “Bind them as a sign on your hand.” God’s Word directs every action.
• “Frontlets between your eyes.” God’s Word controls our thoughts.
• “Write them on the doorposts of your house.” God’s Word regulates our family life.
• “Write them on the gates of the city.” God’s Word guides our social interactions and our relationships with others.

The command is to both “teach” and “talk.” This involves both formal and informal training. Often the opportunities to reinforce a spiritual lesson come in the daily activities of life. On the soccer field. Watching a movie. Interacting with friends. On a hike in the woods. On a fishing or hunting trip. On the playground. Riding in the car. Or while using technology.

Our kids need to see the practical relevance of God’s Word in their daily decisions. And in your daily activities.

Russ reminded us that the temporal emphasis in this world will destroy our faith, and the faith of our children. We are called to higher level of living. To think right. Do right. Live right.

Finally, parents remember this. The spiritual values you want to imbibe in your children are more easily caught than taught.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman