Daily devotion – Our children our ministry!
Training Our Children
Parenting as a Christian couple is both a great responsibility and a wonderful privilege. God has entrusted children to our care so that we might instruct and train them in His ways.
“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6)
“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4)
As we continue our study through Exodus, we discover that God was not only developing a nation of people; He was also establishing principles for every family. The Lord placed upon parents the responsibility of teaching their children the truths of His Word. It was not Moses, Aaron, or the elders of Israel who were primarily charged with instructing the children. That responsibility belonged to mothers and fathers.
The Passover was to become an annual reminder of God’s deliverance, and parents were to explain its meaning to future generations.
“And ye shall observe the feast of unleavened bread; for in this selfsame day have I brought your armies out of the land of Egypt: therefore shall ye observe this day in your generations by an ordinance for ever.” (Exodus 12:17)
“And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service?” (Exodus 12:26)
“That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the LORD’S passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when he smote the Egyptians, and delivered our houses. And the people bowed the head and worshipped.” (Exodus 12:27)
The same principle remains true today. Children of believing parents are to be taught the things of God in the home. Reading the Scriptures together, praying as a family, and teaching God’s Word are foundational characteristics of a Christian home. It is through these practices that children are raised in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.
Anything left to itself naturally drifts downward. The same is true spiritually. Children who are not instructed in God’s Word, prayed over, and prayed with, become easy targets for the enemy and the influences of a sinful world. The home must be the first place where children learn who God is, what He has done, and how He desires them to live.
God takes seriously the responsibility of teaching others. Those who have been given the privilege of instruction are also held accountable.
“My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.” (James 3:1)
Parents are among the most influential teachers a child will ever have. Every conversation, every example, every prayer, and every act of obedience leaves an imprint upon a young life.
The encouraging truth is that it is never too late to begin. Whether your children are young or grown, God can still use your testimony, your prayers, and your faithful instruction to draw them closer to Himself.
The Apostle Paul reminded Timothy of the godly influence that had shaped his life from childhood:
“When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.” (2 Timothy 1:5)
What a blessing to see a genuine faith passed from one generation to the next. May we be faithful in teaching our children and grandchildren the ways of the Lord, trusting Him to use His Word to guide them, strengthen them, and draw them into a lifelong walk with Jesus Christ.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of influencing the lives of our children and grandchildren. Give us wisdom, patience, and faithfulness as we teach them Your Word. Help us to be examples of godliness in our homes and to diligently instruct the next generation in the truth of Your salvation. May our children come to know, love, and serve You all the days of their lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.