Pass It On

CORE PRACTICE #39: Parent in a way that champions values, models character, and ensures each family member is doing what he or she needs to do that day.

But watch out! Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen. Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live! And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren. —Deuteronomy 4:9

Lauren

Since I am a former teacher and children’s book author, it probably comes as no surprise that I have always encouraged our kids to embrace reading. One way I do that is by helping them see that reading can be fun. Some of our older children enjoy browsing for books on their e-readers or curling up with a sports magazine. If they’re reading something worthwhile, I have no problem with that. I make trips to the library an adventure for our younger children by steering them toward books on topics I think would interest them. At home, I sometimes create a cozy spot for reading by placing comfy pillows and a stack of books in a corner or by draping blankets over a chair to create a tent.

I also make it a point to let my children see me enjoying good books; sometimes over dinner I even mention something I learned while reading a novel for my book club. The bottom line: I both champion reading and model it for my kids, even as I help them understand that learning and reading are important values in our family.

My approach to reading isn’t all that different from the way Tony and I have tried to pass along our commitment to biblical values. Our aim is not merely to get our children to obey us or a list of rules; we want them to experience the Lord’s love for themselves by seeing how much joy and peace our relationship with God brings us. After all, our children are not our own. They are a sacred trust from the Lord to be cared for, nurtured, loved, and helped in every way possible to become all that God intends for them to be.

That same lesson is at the heart of today’s Scripture passage, which comes from the book that some scholars refer to as Moses’ farewell address to the Israelites. Moses knew that he was about to die and that Joshua would assume leadership of the people as they entered the Promised Land. As he urged the Israelites to follow God’s rules and regulations, Moses stressed the importance of teaching their children to follow the Lord.

Moses’ words are as timely for us today as they were back then. In the overall scheme of life and eternity, we have our children for such a brief time. Because of that, every moment of our lives should be about demonstrating and sharing with them the values they will need to live by. In everything we do for and with them, we need to model integrity, honesty, honor, and compassion, doing what is right in all settings and all ways. Will we do that perfectly? Of course not. But we can always testify to the greatness of God and what He’s done for us. And we can always point them back to the book that contains all the wisdom they’ll ever need—the Scriptures.

Adventure Application: Pick a character trait or godly value that you want your children to embrace and explain it to them. Spend some time during the next two weeks helping them see ways to live it out within the family and beyond.