Eternal Truths in Everyday Life

A modern version of the Entrusted memory verses in Deuteronomy 6:6-7 would read something like, "Let God's Words be always on your mind and in your heart. Diligently teach them to your children -- when you are sitting on the couch together or when you're driving them to school or soccer practice. Also talk about them when you go to bed at night and when you wake up the next morning."

My Personal Relationship with God. Talking to our children about spiritual principles should flow in and out of our daily lives as a natural part of our conversation. Moses says this kind of teaching begins with God's Word being on OUR hearts (Deut. 6:6-7). This happens as we personally engage in relationship with Him through prayer, meditating on His Word, and richly relating to others. Teaching our children begins here.

Modeling Truth. These verses describe a parent's job to teach kids in their homes during the in's and out's of everyday life together. And what better place for it? It's here in our daily interactions that our hearts become most apparent. Even the parts of our hearts that we'd rather others not see become more evident in our homes -- like on the mornings we are running late for school or when one of our children is tired and melts down.

The ways we respond in these challenging moments demonstrate what we really believe and value. And it's where we teach our children volumes about how to live -- as well as how to seek help from God in our weakness, how to confess our failures, seek forgiveness, and respond rightly the next time.

Talking about Truth. This kind of teaching should also take place in the everyday-ness of our lives together. What a wonderful opportunity we have for discipleship with these important little people!  And as our Master Teacher, God has given us an enormous supply of examples to point to in everyday life.  They are everywhere and in every season!

• The falling of the leaves in Autumn which creates richer soil and new life in Spring (death brings life -- John 12:24)
• The uniqueness of each snowflake in Winter and how it demonstrates how we too are wonderfully and uniquely made (Psalm 139:14)
• God's faithfulness demonstrated in the Spring when He once again awakens His creation (Psalm 119:89-91)
• Or the way teachable, yielded hearts grow fruits like love, joy, and peace -- just as fertile soil produces a crop in the Summer (Luke 8:15).

If we look around closely, and ask Him to show us, we will see examples of biblical truth like these all around us. And when we do, we should talk about them. Right then. Like, "Look at that! Isn't it amazing how God shows us this truth?..."

You can find more inspiration and ideas in a new series of blog articles we will be posting in upcoming weeks called Eternal Truths in Everyday Life. These how-to articles will walk you through fun, interactive ways to teach your children biblical truths using only simple items around your house. Watch for them soon!

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"Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments…" Deuteronomy 7:9