As a Christian parent, I care about what God’s word has to say about this sacred trust of raising children. I look to the Bible for parenting principles and outright instruction on how to influence and equip the next generation.
A seminal passage to that end is found in Deuteronomy 6. Central to this ancient passage is a section called the Shema which is so essential to the Jewish faith that it is recited twice a day in Jewish prayers. This passage of scripture insists that a parent’s job is to teach their children to love God. This should happen all day, every day, in every possible setting.
This is a generational function, a mission of legacy wherein the Bible offers abundant, God-sized promises to you and your children and your children’s children. This is meant to be passed on and on. Faithful legacy. Forever and ever. It’s a big, serious, holy calling. And God wants you to join in.
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” Deuteronomy 6:4-9. ESV.