Psalm 78:5 For He established a testimony in Jacob.
We all know the last words of Christ before He ascended to heaven-the Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20, where He commands us to "make disciples of all the nations."
I'd like to point you to another passage in which God lays out an important part of His plan to fulfill that commission. Psalm 78:5-7 reads:
For He established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers, that they should teach them to their children, that the generation to come might know, even the children yet to be born, that they may arise and tell them to their children, that they should put their confidence in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep His commandments.
As I read Scripture, I see that God formed two institutions to pass His Word from one generation to the next. One, of course, is His Church. The other is the family. God's original plan called for the home to be a sort of greenhouse-a nurture center-where children grow up to learn godly character and biblical values.
As a parent, it's so easy to get caught up in the pressures of daily living-of changing diapers and settling sibling disputes and ferrying kids to piano lessons and scout meetings. From time to time you must look above that and remember that the most important work during your years on earth will be to teach your children how to know and love the Lord God. Through your words and your actions, your very life, you have the power to shape the future of our nation by shaping a few of the people who live in it.
I love what Charles Swindoll says about the importance of a family and a home in this process:
Whatever else may be said about the home, it is the bottom line of life. The anvil upon which attitudes and convictions are hammered out. The single most influential force in our earthly existence. It is at home, among family members, that we come to terms with circumstances. It is here that life makes up its mind.
Prayer: Ask God to give you wisdom in raising the next generation and imparting biblical values.
Discuss: What convictions and values do you want to pass on to your children?
4 comments:
One of the interesting things said on Sunday was a reminder the the Sunday school should in theory just be a re-enforcement of what is being taught in the home. I love this whole bit "Whatever else may be said about the home, it is the bottom line of life. The anvil upon which attitudes and convictions are hammered out. The single most influential force in our earthly existence. It is at home, among family members, that we come to terms with circumstances. It is here that life makes up its mind."
I think i am going to figure out a way to hang this in my house somewhere
Blessings
cas
Clark, I couldnt agree more. What a confirmation of the lives we are to impact. It's just so ironic that I dont consistently give my best to the people I CAN impact the most. Partly, and its no excuse, is that I have the next day to get it right. In my mind there's always tomorrow to show the life lesson of sacrificial giving or turning the other cheek or thinking before you speak. I pray that I and we will turn tomorrow into today. Otherwise, I will have an impact and it wont be for the better.
Go with God today, guys! Let's lift each other up with some prayer coverage.
What if you don't have a home or children? Does this apply to other's children or is that overstepping boundaries? Although I have all of my nieces and nephews to shape and mold which I try to.
But I also feel that this can be applied to most if not all situations in which we are mentors or role models. I just pray that I'm teaching the correct lessons.
cas- agreed, there's got to be a way to put it somewhere we see it every day where it actually impacts us (maybe our home desktop background? =0) Or above the dinner table or outside the kids room. I like to take a few extra moments every time something comes up to make things a learning situation...its annoying sometimes, even to me, but I see my kids explaining it back to me when I least expect it.
trm- also agreed, its really tough cause you "know" that they will be there tomorrow, and that I had a tough day at work, etc... But one day they're not 2 anymore they're 5... (MUCH easier said than done, but we have to try)
iceman- as a parent, I can always use help. I promise. Just make sure the parents are cool with it-I'm always fine with it, but it can still come across weird if its a strange delivery from a stranger. Your niece/nephews parents I'm sure are on board.
Keep it up guys, Eric I'm praying for you (and your sling :) ) I know I'm a northerner and probably not a "man's man" but what's ripsticking?
yours in Christ,
crb
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