“These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." Deuteronomy 6:6-7

As Christian parents, there is much we can learn and apply from Moses’ instructions to the Israelites.

Some parents are diligent to talk about God with their children at home during what are commonly called “family devotions.” This is a good thing. Nevertheless, while family devotions are an important way we can disciple our children “at home,” we often neglect to apply what Moses said about discipleship “along the road.”

The other night, I was driving my six-year-old son home from a hockey game, and he asked me if the van’s headlights were on. I explained that they were in fact on, but because the van was so dirty, we could see very little light shining out of them. “It’s kind of like what sin does to us,” I said. “When sin collects in our lives, we don’t shine as brightly for Jesus in the darkness of this world.”

Some of you might call that a stroke of parenting genius. To others, it sounds like a line from a cheesy Christian movie. Evidently, my son thought neither of these things, as he did not even reply from the back of the van and was probably thinking about the hockey game he had just seen.

But the point is, I am trying (as blundering and awkward as it may be) to take my family discipleship “on the road.” I want my kids to hear me talk about God not just at home sitting around the dinner table, but on the road, in the minivan, and maybe even at the hockey game. 

Lord, help me to faithfully share Your words with my children, both at home and on the road. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Take Action

Tell your kids something about what you are learning from God’s word. And try to weave it in to something from everyday life. Keep an eye out for teachable moments this week.

Has your hunger for God’s word waned? Customize Your Quiet Time.



Tags: family discipleship