While Ryan is out on vacation , we will have guest bloggers writing here at JustOneMore.info. Today’s guest blogger is CrossPoint’s Minister to Preschoolers, Cathy Owen.
As we see how the Bible helps us in daily struggles, the significance of the Bible let us not forget our study and memorization of the Shema. The study and memorization of the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4-9) has challenged us to recognize the parents’ responsibility to instill spiritual truths in the lives of their children. The church’s responsibility is to equip and assist the parents in effectively training their children in the Christian faith.
Parents often see their best effort at spiritual training as bringing their children to church one or two hours per week. This is only a small part of the solution. The instruction should be evident in the common things in life—everyday living, the other 6 days of the week. To produce faith that lasts, it takes more than two hours on Sunday.
How does a parent accomplish the mission of primary faith teacher?
- They must grow in their own understanding of the Bible and in their relationship with Christ by connecting to worship, Bible study and service. Your commitment to the Bible will be the testimony to your child of its’ worth and importance.
- They must learn how to regularly practice age-appropriate family devotions and scripture memorization in their home. However, a parent can only lead their child out of the overflow of what they have received.
- They must discover how to capture teachable moments that open their child’s eyes to God’s presence. For example, using nature to connect your child to the power of God.
- They must learn to take advantage of spiritual “faith marker moments” in their lives, such as the birth of a child through family dedication, salvation and baptism, preparation for adolescence, how to talk with your child about remaining pure for your future mate, high school graduation, college and on into their life in Christ during adulthood.
How have you taken advantage of these spiritual “faith marker moments”? Were you guided by an individual? What role did your family play? As I think about and read Matthew 28: 18-20, how do we as adults, those who are parents of young children or older children or adults without children, bridge these verses to the Shema in our own lives and in the lives of others?