Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Psalm 78:1-3 O my people, hear my teaching; listen to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter hidden things, things from of old -- what we have heard and known, what our fathers have told us.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION BEGINS AT HOME
The Bible teaches that the training and educating children for the Savior is to begin at home as Dad and Mom instill the saving truths of His Word upon their children from the youngest age. Did you know that the first mention of teaching in any form in the Bible is in connection with the home? In speaking about the Old Testament patriarch, Abraham, God said: "I have chosen him so that he will direct his children and his family after him to keep the way of the Lord" (Genesis 18:19).
The same truth is taught in many other Scriptures. In the fifth book of Moses we read: "These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children" (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). The Holy Spirit inspired Paul to write to Timothy: "From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:15). In another of his letters Paul offered this counsel to the fathers of Ephesus: "Do not exasperate your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord" (Ephesians 6:4).
From all this we can see how deeply the Lord loves children and how precious they are to Him! He encourages fathers and mothers to view themselves as under-shepherds of the Good Shepherd, each of whom has a little flock of lambs to keep and rear for Him, the Savior of all. What a responsibility! What a privilege!
