God intends for His truths to be passed down from one generation to another, and the best place to do this is in the day-to-day living that takes place within our homes. The truth of the existence and character of God must be clearly taught to our children and grandchildren.
This will take time and words, both planned and unplanned. As women, we must guard our hearts and our households in such a way as to give these priceless eternal truths the attention they deserve:
"These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 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" (Deut. 6:6-7).
How does anything get “on our heart? Through repeated exposure over time. Where does your heart dwell? On Facebook? Pinterest? Instagram? Or in God’s Word? Dwell in His eternal truths each day as least as long as you do in “techno-space.
But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night (Ps. 1:2).
Jesus says, “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Matt. 12:34). What is the overflow of your heart? Do others experience more of God because of your presence in the home? Psalm 34:11 says, “Come, O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
We are to use every available opportunity—when we sit, move about our day, head to bed, and awake in the morning. Our children need to hear from us about every good and right path so that wisdom will become “pleasant to [their] soul” (Prov. 2:10).
Each home has its own distinct atmosphere. What does yours feel like? Are peace and comfort and beauty found there? Is communication clear and kind? What memories are being formed in the daily circumstances of life—the lost keys, the spilt milk, the wet bed, the bruised ego, the hurt feelings?
Someone needs to have the vision for creating an atmosphere where faith and obedience can be nurtured. A vision for developing an environment where love and security are readily accessible, where family members can thrive, where memories can be built, fears comforted, convictions formed, and needs met in a way that is impossible in any other setting than a home.
Dwell in His eternal truths each day as least as long as you do in “techno-space.
If you are married and your husband wants to lead in teaching God’s words and ways to his family, fabulous! Support him in every way possible. My husband, Ray, welcomed my gentle guidance when the kids were young as to age-appropriate ways to keep their attention during family time.
Maybe you are single or your husband is not a believer or travels a lot—don’t despair. Think of Paul’s protégé, Timothy, who learned from his mother and grandmother (2 Tim. 1:5; 3:15).
I grew up in a home where my father was not a Christian until later in life. Mother taught me about Jesus, and I’ll be forever grateful.
Earnestly ask the Lord for ways to obey His commandment to you. He will show you. Maybe you can share God’s Word around pancakes one morning a week. Or how about a “midnight feast” of apple and banana slices, cheese, and whole wheat crackers shared by candlelight or flashlight in one of the kids’ beds while you read to them and pray together? Be creative.
“Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. Make them known to your children and your children’s children” (Deut. 4:9).
Think about the different relationships in your home or apartment. How can you use your home to show God to those around you? What can you do to train the rising generation for the years ahead?
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