Leaving a Godly Heritage
By Susan Klein
“Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.”
Deuteronomy 4:8-9
What do you suppose would happen if there were no authority over us or laws to live by in our society? Probably something akin to what happened in the last verse of the book of Judges: In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in their own eyes. Pretty scary thought! Similarly, what if there was no written Word of God? What would be our example for righteous living?
Fortunately for those of us residing in America, we do have the Bible, and we do have a lawful society with a governing body. As our children (and grandchildren) grow, we are careful to teach them the rules and laws that they need to obey in life. But, are we just as careful to teach them about God’s Word? Do we spend time talking about all the works and miracles of Jesus? Do we just teach them about the heroes of the faith, or do we include the people who made mistakes, as well? Do we skim over the Old Testament, feeling it’s not pertinent to today’s culture?
In 1 Corinthians 10:23, Paul reminds us that “everything is permissible, but not everything is beneficial.” As adults, we spend much time sharing information with our younger generation. They even have the “information highway” at their fingertips by way of internet. But is equal time spent educating these young ones on the history of their ancestors from God’s Word, so that they might not repeat the mistakes of those who’ve gone before them?
The above passage was spoken by Moses to the Israelites prior to their entering the Promised Land. He knew he would not accompany them, so he gave them this word of caution - - to remember what they had lived through and never forget it, always teaching it to future generations. Pastor James Mac Donald says, “When the people of God are not told the works of God from the Word of God, they lose the wonder of God, and then everyone does that which is right in his own eyes.” (1)
Let’s put Moses’ words into practice with our future generations; that they might live uprightly and not lose the wonder of God!
GOING DEEPER:
1. Will you take some time this week to share God’s Word with a child?
2. If you do not have children of your own, might you consider helping with a Sunday School class or after-school program?
FURTHER READING:
Deuteronomy 11:18-21; Titus 2:1-8
Susan is We Women’s Tuesday Morning Bible Study Coordinator and one of its teachers. She and her husband Mark lead a couples’ small group in their home; she is also involved in inner city outreach.
(1) Our Journey, November 2011.
