MONDAY July 15, 2024
Diligently Teach Your Children God’s Word
“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.”
Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Fathers and mothers have a great responsibility to teach their children about God’s ways. They are to pass on the knowledge of the Lord to the next generation. From the many stories in the Bible, children need to learn lessons of faith and how to call on the name of the Lord.
Fathers can learn important lessons about fatherhood by studying the many examples of fathers in the Bible. Some successfully passed on the knowledge of God to their children, while others failed in their duty to disciple their children. Eli’s sons were unrestrained by their father. He never disciplined them for their wickedness (1 Samuel 2:12-14, 22). In judgment, the Lord cut their lives short: For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the iniquity which he [Eli] knows, because his sons made themselves vile, and he did not restrain them (1 Samuel 3:13).
David did not correct either of his sons––Amnon and Absalom. Amnon raped Absalom’s lovely sister, his half-sister (2 Samuel 13:1-22). For two years, hatred festered in the heart of Absalom because of what Amnon had done to his sister. Although David was angry, he did not do anything! His failure to discipline Amnon had terrible consequences. Absalom took matters into his own hands and had his brother killed (2 Samuel 13:28-29). Absalom rebelled against David and tried to take his throne. In the end he was killed by David’s captain and his men (2 Samuel 18:14-15).
Can you see why children need godly discipline from a strong father in the home? Avoid the tragic mistakes of the priest Eli and King David. Teach the Word of God to your children and discipline promptly when needed. Use every opportunity to instill God’s percepts into their young hearts––when you sit in your house, as you walk with them, at bedtime, and in the morning. Be faithful in praying for them.
Correct your son, and he will give you rest; yes, he will give delight to your soul.
~Proverbs 29:17~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
