In recent months, Phyllis and I have been stirred about the necessity of demonstrating the power of God to the younger generation that is among us. There is a true hunger for the things of God in young people, and the devil knows it. This is why he strategically brings distraction after distraction into their lives, in order to numb their hunger for God.
Each of my four grandchildren knows that when we sit down to eat at the table, phones and iPads are not allowed. Is it because I’m trying to keep them from having fun? Absolutely not! I’m PawPaw, and I consider it my job to see to it that they have fun. The primary reason for this established understanding for table behavior is found in Deuteronomy 11:18-21…
Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates: that your days may be multiplied, and the days of your children, in the land which the Lord sware unto your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven upon the earth.
This passage of Scripture is taken during the time when the Israelites were transitioning from Egypt to Canaan, and notice the importance that God placed on teaching the children. Just like the Israelites, what you’re going through right now isn’t just about you. It’s about the generation you’re raising up and the generations that follow.
If you’re reading this and you are currently raising children, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of teaching your children the Word of God. Every chance Phyllis and I get, we lay hands on our grandchildren and speak the Word over them. But for parents who see their children daily, you are to make this your number one priority where your kids are concerned. When God blesses someone with children, there is great responsibility that comes with that blessing. You become responsible for training them up for service unto the Lord. It is your duty to see to it that they know more about God when they are your age than you do.
How do you do this? Start when they’re young, taking what you know and imparting it to them. Instill in your children a reverence for the things of God; an understanding and awareness that God is all they need. Teach them that God answers every prayer, and that His Word is life and health and blessing. Teach them that God will give them direction for their lives and that there are penalties imposed on those who disobey or refuse to abide by the Word of God. Teach them by precept and example that perfect peace is found in the perfect will of God and demonstrate it to them by living it before them.
Some people think that they can live any way they want before their children, neglecting God and His Word. They don’t consider the price they will pay for failing in their responsibility to God for their children. When parents fail to train their children in the ways of God, they convince themselves that their kids are different. They think, “I have good kids and they won’t go the wrong way.” They think they can let their kids grow up without the Word of God and their kids will turn out right, but they are deceived. If you want your kids to grow up knowing God, serving God, and completely depending upon God, then make putting the Word into your children your number one priority in raising them.
Psalm 119:130 says, The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. The world is a dark place, and it seems to be getting darker by the day. But when we make the Word going into our children a priority, that light will help to expose the darkness and bring light to the shadows.
Raising children is a joy, but it is a responsibility on the part of the parents to raise their children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. The end result of raising godly children is that your days will be multiplied, and the days of your children, and you will have days of heaven upon the earth. Training children in the ways of God is not just a matter of making things more peaceful around the house. It is a matter of extending their lives and receiving your harvest. It is part of your prosperity and part of your reward for living the life of faith.
As we enter this holiday season, make the most of the opportunities you have to be with your children and grandchildren. Encourage them, and instill the power and importance of the Word into them. As you do, they’ll be blessed, and you will too!