Memory Verse: But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” – Joshua 24:15b (NIV).
Bible Text: Deuteronomy 6:1-12
Spiritual Emphasis: God created the family; He desires that it be strong and healthy. The family was always meant to be the core social unit in the world and everyone is meant to be part of one. All other structures build upon family. It is the chief building block of any society or civilization. The Ten Commandments never say, “Honor your king and your queen” or “Honor your prime minister or your president.” But it says, “Honor your father and mother.” The first structure of authority and organization is not government, but family. The others simply build upon it.
Characteristics of a Christian Family
- Discouraging criticism in the family: Arguments and disagreement should never become occasions for hurtful words. Instead of allowing bickering and name-calling, sit down together with God’s Word to seek His perspective on how to treat each other – Eph. 4:29-32; Prov. 12:25; Prov. 11:29a.
- Allowing difficult questions: When your child comes to you with a challenging question, take the time to help him or her to find an answer – Luke 2:41-47; 2 Tim. 3:14-15; 1 Thess.5:11.
- Building biblical convictions into their lives as a guide: Children need to know what they believe. However, convictions are learned by watching your behavior – 2 Peter 1:5-9; Eph. 6:4b.
- Spending time with your children: Since kids’ love being with their parents, plan some fun family activities. When they are older, they will still have fond memories of those times – Prov. 22:6; Psalm 127:3
Question: Most studies have shown that most families are too busy and hardly eat meals together. How do you think this trend can be reverse, and what do you think are the benefits of eating meals together as a family?
Conclusion
Throughout the ages, God’s plan and desire has always been for parents to raise up their children to know and love Him and walk in His ways. In Deuteronomy 6:6, which was our main text for today, God told the Israelites to keep His commands in their hearts and to teach them diligently unto their children, talking of them throughout the day in every circumstance of life. The question to every family, are we teaching our children and walking in line with God’s plan?
Shalom! Self-studies: Exo. 20:12; Prov. 22:6; 1 Tim. 5:8; Gen. 2:24; Ps. 127:3-5; Prov. 15:20; Eph. 6: 1-2; Col. 3:20; Prov. 1:7-9; John 1:12; Gal. 6:10; 1 Cor. 12:26; Rom. 8:15; 1 John 1:9.
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