We started in Deuteronomy 6:4 with loving God with all of our heart, soul, and might. From that love, we are commanded to write His words on our heart. With a love of God and the fullness of His word to guide us, the passage shifts the focus to the outward flow of this love- children.
You shall teach them diligently to your children. – Deuteronomy 6:7a
I am called to love, learn, and then diligently teach. What is the definition of “diligently”? According to Webster’s, diligence is defined as: with conscientious and persistent effort or attention. What is the definition of “conscientious”? careful and painstaking; particular; meticulous; scrupulous.
Persistent, careful, painstaking… Am I applying this level of effort in instructing my children in the truths of God’s word? If not, why? I must take the time to be honest here. If I am lazy in my instruction, I am being disobedient to my call. I must find the cause, excuse, or hindrance and pray that God gives me wisdom and energy to redirect towards Him.
The promises of God are sure, beautiful, and right. When I remember the promises of God found in his Word, my heart longs for my children to know, love, and understand them. Let’s look at a few:
Every word of God proves true; He is a shield to those who take refuge in Him. – Proverbs 30:5
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. – Psalm 119:105
The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed I have a beautiful inheritance. – Psalm 16: 6
Do I want my children to be guarded by the shield of God’s protection? Yes. Do I long for the path of their life to be continually lit by the light of His word? Yes. Do I pray they gaze upon the words of God and say, “the boundaries of God’s protection through His word are exactly where I want to stay”? Yes. We have the calling and opportunity to teach these truths to our children, and such beautiful truths are a joy to teach!
God helps us write His word on our hearts, and He will sustain us as we obediently sow the seeds of His truth into the soil all around us, starting with our children.
