Deuteronomy 30:19-20

“Choose life so that you and your descendants may live, loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and holding fast to him…” vss. 19b-20a

Our decision to respond to the love of God with obedience is a turning point in our lives, and is probably the most important choice we will ever make. It has a profound effect on all that we say or do for the rest of our lives. And not only will it touch our lives, it will also influence those who come after us. Our children and grandchildren, all of our descendents, become the inheritors of God’s promises. At least that’s what will happen if we bother to raise our children in the context of God’s love. It’s amazing to see how many parents who spend thousands of dollars on colleges do virtually nothing in caring for their children’s spiritual lives. They seem to have the notion that they are actually giving their children a gift by rearing them with no instruction in faith and no knowledge of their loving God. There’s an assumption that spiritual instruction is something they can pick up on their own when they’re older. Of course that seldom happens and the world quickly ensnares them with its confusing promises of wealth and privilege. Blessed are those families where children are instructed in faith and learn devotional practices. Of course even such persons wander off to see where demons dwell, but at least they know that God is merciful and full of compassion–and that means everything!

Thought for the Day: How does it go with my children?