Deuteronomy Chp 4:9-14
While it is well understood that the role of the father in the family is to teach the children in the ways of the Lord, Moses lays it out here:
9Only 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. 10 Remember the day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, when he said to me, "Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children." 11 You came near and stood at the foot of the mountain while it blazed with fire to the very heavens, with black clouds and deep darkness. 12 Then the LORD spoke to you out of the fire. You heard the sound of words but saw no form; there was only a voice. 13 He declared to you his covenant, the Ten Commandments, which he commanded you to follow and then wrote them on two stone tablets. 14 And the LORD directed me at that time to teach you the decrees and laws you are to follow in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess.
It starts with..."Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget, the things your eyes have seen". It is important to be careful and watch yourselves closely because children will model your behavior and it won't matter what you say if your behavior is not consistent with your words. Additionally, how can you teach your children unless you yourself have not experienced life change through Christ. While it may be possible to teach the ways of the Lord without personal experience of the Lord, the teaching is so much more effective if you have experienced this for yourself. So, this statement reminds us to not only not forget but continue to be faithful and follow God as a means to not forget and as a means to teach our children.
My Prayer: Lord, I have seen with my own eyes the transformation in my heart and in my life. Thank you for your blessings, your protection, your mercy, and your guidance. Forgive me for my neglectful prayer life. Lord help me with this! Help me also continue to study your word and be consistent between my teachings with my family and my behavior.
