Live in a bubble

Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Never Stop Teaching Your Children

Come, my children, and listen to me, and I will teach you to fear the Lord.

—Psalm 34:11

Sometimes Christian parents want their children to live in a bubble. They aren't going to allow any godless influences in their house. They won't even have a television set. No media. No Internet. Just nothing—not even furniture. Please don't do that. Instead, prepare your children to live in the real world. Teach them.

I never had to teach my boys how to sin. I never had to sit them down and say, "Boys, I am going to teach you how to sin. Let's start with the word mine." No, it came naturally to them just like it came naturally to me. It comes naturally to every person. David said, "In sin my mother conceived me" (Psalm 51:5 NKJV).

Moses gave great insight when he said, "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up" (Deuteronomy 6:6–7 NKJV). I love that. Moses is saying, just do it all of the time. Teach them in the morning and at night. Teach your kids everywhere. Look for a teaching moment. I've found some of the greatest spiritual moments with children happen when we are just out doing things.

One thing I would often do with my kids—and now I do with my grandkids—is watch TV shows with them. Afterwards, I ask them questions and try to help them interpret it. I want to help them develop a biblical worldview for themselves. I want them to see things as God sees things. That is a constant process. So lovingly teach the Word and never stop doing it.

I want them to see things as God sees things.