"You shall teach [God's words] to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking in the way, and when you lie down and when you rise" (Deut 11:19)
Tyson Paoletti quoted this passage in his article 'Scripture Memory - A Father's Perspective' on the Resurgence blog recently. Although he is talking specifically to Fathers in the blog, this verse is addressed to 'Israel' so is applicable to Mothers too. Whilst the context is obviously under Old Testament Law I feel it would still be God's desire for us today.
Tyson Paoletti comments that it is parents "...who have the primary responsibility for teaching our kids about God, not the church. The church is there to supplement what our kids should already be learning at home."
This reminded me of a recent blog post by Carl Thomas, "Ghetto Parenting and it's Charismatic counterpart" (a comment on the recent negative media reports about secular 'ghetto parents') in which he lists some symptoms of what he describes as Charismatic Ghetto Parenting or CGP. This is first problem he identifies:
- CGP is expecting the Sunday school to teach your kids about Jesus.
Talking to our children about God and what He says to us in the Bible should be a natural part of everyday life. As we are sitting at home with our children we share stories with them about Jesus, Joseph, Noah... As we are walking to playgroup we admire with them the beauty of His creation. As we tuck them up into bed at night we pray, thanking God with them for His grace and provision, and seeking His will and the power of His Spirit. As we rise in the morning we sing, worshipping God with them declaring His authority and holiness, for His glory.
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