Building the Home on Christ Alone (Part 2)

As I work on my blog for this past week's message, "Raising Children to Glorify God" I thought this video would pacify you with a humorous characterization of somebody I'm sure we've all met. The song is by Peter Denahy, who is an Australian Country artist; and although he's depicting an Aussie youth, I'm sure it could apply to American culture as well. It is my prayer that as you grow to love God with all your heart, soul and mind, you will avoid raising your kids to become part of the "Sorta'. . . Dunno'. . . Nothin" crowd.

In Deuteronomy 6:1-9, we find Moses speaking to the children of Israel towards the end of his life. You will notice that he is emphasizing the solemn responsibility of Jewish households in the Old Testament to diligently train their children up knowing and delighting in the Law of God. Read this passage and consider the weighty responsibility it lays upon us all as parents to teach our children the law of God:

“Now this is the commandment, the statutes and the rules that the Lord your God commanded me to teach you, that you may do them in the land to which you are going over, to possess it, 2 that you may fear the Lord your God, you and your son and your son's son, by keeping all his statutes and his commandments, which I command you, all the days of your life, and that your days may be long. 3 Hear therefore, O Israel, and be careful to do them, that it may go well with you, and that you may multiply greatly, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has promised you, in a land flowing with milk and honey.

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"(Deuteronomy 6:1-9).

If this passage tells us anything it tells us that children are smart; they will never follow beliefs backed up by words alone, only by beliefs backed up by your life. You can say you believe the Bible all day long. But if you can scarcely remember where you placed the Bible last, while never having to search for the TV when Monday night football calls, it is proven to be more sacred by the priority you make for it.

God did not give us the Law as a bunch of words He just arbitrarily pulled out of the air. No! God is revealing what He loves and what He hates; He is laying open for us His heart and mind. Therfore, any parents who model these words cannot simply show half-hearted, flippint agreement to the Law of God; they must cherish the Law of God with heart-felt love and addiction. "You say that you believe in one God, you do well. The devils believe also, and tremble" (James 2:19). How can you apply these words to your own family's situation?

To be continued!