by Bob Bunn, Member, Family Enrichment Committee
Moses made it clear. Parents are called to be the spiritual leaders of their homes: “These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” (Deuteronomy
6:6-7, HCSB)
So what about a busy 21st century family? How do we learn God’s Word together in a culture of distractions? Here are some ideas:
• Be intentional. Identify a particular time and place for family devotions, and make them a priority. You might miss a day here or there, but strive to make them happen regularly.
• Find age-appropriate resources. This can be a challenge, especially if your children span several age groups. The devotion resources provided through Sunday School (such as More or Bible Express for children and essential connection for teenagers) are a good starting point. Parents with teenagers can also sign up for free family devotion resources at www.heartconnex.org. Finding the right tool for your family may take time, but keep experimenting until you discover what fits best.
• Finally, make sure everyone is involved. Allow children to read Bible passages. Find fun ways to memorize verses. Discuss why the original readers may have needed the message. Ask probing questions about real-life application today. The more involved each person becomes, the more meaningful it will be for the whole family.
It’s not easy, and you may drop the ball at times. But making the effort to share family devotions can create a special bond now and establish a legacy for future generations.
