“Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates” Deuteronomy 11:19-20
I’m sure most of us have made reference to the 10 Commandments with our children. We also probably assume they are learning about them in Sunday School. But how many of us actually do what the Bible tells in Deut 11:19-20?
The Bible tells us we are suppose to teach them to our children. We are not to assume Sunday School taught them or just mention it in passing. We are to make sure that they really understand them and how important it is that we follow God’s word.
It also tells us to talk about them when you sit at home. I know I’ve failed at this many times. Our children are very impressionable and eager to learn. But how many of us actually take the time to really teach them throughout day. When Bobby takes his sister’s toy, do we remind them that the Bible teaches us that it is not right to steal. Do we use the word of God as our principal source for training up our children?
“When you walk along the road” – Are we so distracted by the things we have to get done, the busyness to tell them about the things of God. Do we take the time to use those teachable moments that surround us every day. Are we using the precious years we have with our kids to mold them into young people that love, obey, and serve God?
Are we starting and ending their day talking about God? In Deuteronomy we are told “when you lie down and when you get up.” I don’t know about you, but whatever the first thing is that happens when I get up usually sets the tone for my entire day. A hug & kiss – good day! A child throws up – bad day. The same is true at night; whatever I think about before I go to bed tends to be what my mind meditates on, what enters my dreams. Shouldn’t we train our children to have God set the tone for the day & be the sweet meditation of their thoughts at night! What about a Bible verse to send them to sleep. The Bible says we should meditate on his word day & night.
“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers.But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:1-2
Finally, we are told to “write them on the doorframes of your houses & gate.” This was a Jewish tradition. But I think the principal is 100% valid for us today. God’s word & law should be so precious to us that we want to have it on our walls. As we walk through our homes, let’s gaze on the word of God and be reminded of his love and commands.
On that note, I had been searching for what seemed like forever – it was truly years - to find a 10 commandments poster or art that went through the commands with a picture or something that my kids could understand even if they though they are not able to read yet. Several months ago I had a “Duh” moment – why not make it myself! So here is what I made. You are welcome to click on it & download it if it is something you’d like to use. Or maybe it will just inspire you to make your own, in which case I’d love to see what you create!
Whatever you do, remember to talk about God’s word all day. Make it the primary tool you use for training up your children!
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