A way to remember

 

A way to remember Deuteronomy 4:9-14

There were times I forgot what my children didn't know. Sometimes it was something related to our family. Other times I'd have to wonder what someone their age would know about certain topics. When that would happen, I did better off asking them. What did they remember? What had I shared with them already? There's an entire world of lessons to teach our young people. So many experiences we want to share with them. But that happens over time, and no one is following a schedule. So, we need to be mindful about how we share and what we share. Make no mistake, our children are learning from us and other people they know. But are we intentionally passing on to them all that is important to us? Before the Israelites entered the promised land, Moses instructed them in God's way. He showed them the way to live obedient to God. From reading the Bible, I've learned obedience is both personal and communal. For example, Moses told the people to "take care and watch yourselves closely" (Deuteronomy 4:9). Each person would need to watch themselves. But there was also the community that needed to watch itself. One way to do that, Moses said, was two fold. First, remember what God has done for you. Second, those things God has done for you, "make them known to your children and your children's children" (4:9). If you want to remember what God has done for you, make sure your children know what God has done for you. As a church, if we want to teach young people the power of God, share the power of God with them. Yes, teach the stories of scripture. As we grow and mature, the stories we learned as children help shape our perspectives. We learn even more about the stories themselves, which leads to new wisdom and insight. But don't forget to teach your experiences. Talk about how you've experienced faith. When God renews your heart, explain that to children. When God provided, let them know. Our sharing instructs their faith, but it also shapes their hope for the future. Let's make sure we teach them how good God has been to us. Stay blessed...john