By Dr. Michael L. Williams
Psalm 119:7b-8 …when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.
There is nothing quite like the joy and wonder of a newborn baby. From that first moment when he or she opens their eyes to the day they take their first steps; every day is a learning experience. At the same time, while they grow physically and socially, the person they spend the most time with is looked to for comfort, provision, and learning.
Parents, The First Teachers
As parents, we are engrained with a natural desire to want the best for our children. We invest the time and effort to teach them and guide them so that they grow up to be strong and independent and prepared for the day when they go out into the world to make their own way. While doing this, we will notice that while they may or may not look like us, good or bad, we will notice that they will begin to act like us. This is because, as their teacher, we have great influence over who they become.
No matter whom it is, anyone that spends time learning from someone else becomes more like their teacher. As parent-teachers, this is important to keep in mind. As we diligently teach and model things that we want for our children, they will become what we want them to be. However, if we do not invest the time and effort to teach and model the same, they will turn to someone else and become like them.
The Bible Early in Teaching
God teaches us as His children through His Word. As parents we must then take the time to immerse our children in His Word. From the moment they get up, go out, go to school, go home, and go to bed, we must talk about what God says and demonstrate what God wants. Every moment must be made a learning opportunity to fill their hearts and minds with the love of Christ. However, before we can do this for our children, we must be willing to do this ourselves (Deuteronomy 6:4-9).
Our Key Bible Passage continues the thought from the previous passage in that when we respect God’s commandments, we shall not be ashamed and praise Him with uprightness of heart. This uprightness of heart inspires us to want to learn God’s righteous judgments in all aspects of our life. Then, as parents when we have those special times and close moments with our children and we openly share our hearts, they will see the genuine love that we have for God and for them.
Write It in Your Heart
Furthermore, when we make the effort to do this, we implant or write the same on their hearts. This prepares their hearts to receive the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The truth that He was crucified and died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day. When they receive this truth and believe it, they are then given the gift of the Holy Spirit from God, Whom empowers and inspires them. Then they, like us, will be motivated to keep God’s statutes and seek His approval in every aspect of their life.
Let us devote time daily with our Father, allowing Him to share His heart and desires for our lives. Let us demonstrate our love of learning from Him and what He did by following His teaching in our lives. Then we, and our children can learn with full assurance that He has not forsaken us, but instead wants His very best for us.
