Strengthening Our Families Through Faith and Obedience

The Foundation of Family
Today, as we continue our "Families Fortified" series, I want to remind you of something: Before I got married, I thought I was a marriage expert. My wife and I used to counsel married couples when we were single, thinking, “What’s their problem? This is so easy to figure out!” Then we got married and quickly realized we weren’t experts at all.
The same goes for parenting. Before we had kids, we thought we had it all figured out. We read the books, made our plans, and then our first child arrived. Suddenly, everything changed. We went from being strict disciplinarians to checking if our baby was breathing every few minutes and responding to every little whimper.
Parenting is challenging, and every family is unique. But as we explore God’s plan for the family, we want to focus on what He says about raising the next generation. It’s not about following a specific method or technique; it’s about aligning our lives with God’s principles.

God’s Generational Strategy
Let’s open our Bibles to Deuteronomy 6. In this chapter, God gives us a generational strategy for parenting. These principles apply whether you’re preparing to be a parent, already raising kids, or have grown children. God’s Word is timeless, and His commands are meant to guide us through every season of life.

1. Train Your Children to Fear and Obey God
   God’s first instruction to parents is to teach our children to fear and obey Him so they can enjoy His promises. In Deuteronomy 6:1-2, Moses tells the Israelites that the commandments and statutes of God are to be obeyed so that their children and grandchildren might fear the Lord. This fear isn’t about being scared of God; it’s about reverence and respect for who He is.
   The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 1:7). When we teach our children to fear God, we’re teaching them to live with an awareness that every thought, word, and deed will be accountable to Him. This isn’t just about religious practice; it’s about a lifestyle of obedience.
   Do your children see you living in the fear of the Lord? Do they witness your obedience to His commands? As parents, we must model this behavior, showing our children that we make decisions based on our desire to honor God, even when it’s difficult.
2. Train Your Children to Hear and Love God
   Next, we must teach our children to hear and love God so they can experience His provisions. Deuteronomy 6:4-6 tells us to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and might. This means submitting our passions, choices, and thoughts to God, making Him the center of our lives.
   Our children need to see us seeking God’s guidance in everything we do. Do you read the Bible together as a family? Do you pray together, asking God for wisdom? When your children see you prioritizing God’s Word and seeking His voice, they learn how to do the same.
3. Train Your Children to Honor and Worship God
   God also commands us to teach our children to honor and worship Him. Deuteronomy 6:12-15 warns us not to forget the Lord when He blesses us. In times of prosperity, it’s easy to become complacent, thinking we no longer need God. But we must remember that every good thing comes from Him.
   Do your children see you honoring God in all areas of your life? Is worship a priority in your home? Do they know that gathering with the church is non-negotiable, regardless of the weather, sports events, or other distractions? Modeling consistent worship and honor for God teaches our children that He deserves our best.
4. Train Your Children to Testify and Trust God
   Finally, we must train our children to testify about God’s goodness and trust Him in all circumstances. Deuteronomy 6:20-25 encourages us to share our testimony with our children, telling them about God’s faithfulness in our lives.
   When your children ask why you do what you do, are you ready to testify? Do they know the stories of God’s deliverance and provision in your life? Sharing these stories helps them see that God is real and active in your life, and it encourages them to trust Him with their own lives.

Conclusion
As parents, we have the privilege and responsibility of raising the next generation to know, love, and serve the Lord. It’s not always easy, and we won’t do it perfectly. But God’s grace is sufficient, and He is with us every step of the way.
Today, as we prepare to take communion, let’s reflect on how we can better align our lives with these principles. Let’s confess where we’ve fallen short and ask God for the strength to lead our families according to His Word.
God loves you, He created you, and He cares for you. His mercies are new every morning, and His grace is available to help you raise your children in the way they should go.