Leading the Way

In the years that I have facilitated Entrusted with a Child's Heart at our church, I have memorized and taught Deuteronomy 6:6-7 many, many times.

“And these words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart; and you shall teach them diligently to your sons 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 up.”

This single sentence contains foundational truth, calling us to train our children both formally ("teach them diligently") and informally ("talk of them") at every opportunity throughout the day!

Yet, as I read this verse again this week, God drew my attention to the first part of the verse which reads -- "these words… shall be on your heart." As I thought about this phrase, a deeper realization struck me: God must first write His Word on my own heart… THEN I am equipped to train my children.

In other words, how can I teach the way of truth which I do not first know and walk myself?

Having God's Word written on my heart is not about external conformity. Instead it means 

• It is to be engraved on my heart.
• I am to own it to the core of my being. 
• It is the air I breathe.
• It permeates every part of my being. 
• It is vital to life.
• It cannot be separated from who I am 
• It is not just one compartment of my life -- it is everything!

As my children see me live out a life of love and obedience to God before them, they will learn to embrace God's presence in every area of life. And they will be learning what it means to love God with all of their heart, soul, and strength (Deut 6:5)! 

(Scripture memory verse from Lesson 4 of Entrusted with a Child’s Heart)