Having two small children and one on the way, I'm always very interested in what the bible has to say about parenting. Deuteronomy 6 was presented to Laurina and I a couple of weekends ago as a chapter to look to for parenting instruction. I think this scripture is applicable to everyone not only parents, however. Beginning in verse 6, it talks about what Israel should do with the law and specifically the command to "love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength." Here's what is commanded:
6 These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 7 Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.
What does God mean when he says that these commandments are to be upon your heart? The commands of God are to be so important that you internalize them. Memorize and study them until they are second nature and they are what emanates from you. What does that look like practically? It means that you value God's word. Not only do you receive a word from your pastor on Sunday morning, but that you take ownership of your own spiritual development. Why is this important? Because Jesus said that what comes from the mouth comes from the heart (Matt 15:18). What flows forth from you to everyone around you is what is on your heart. Does what flows from your heart make you different, a shining light in the world? The most influential person in my coming to Jesus is a guy I met while in college. He had Jesus bursting forth in his life. He knew how to care about and love people. How many college aged guys do you know that are able to do that? That impacted me and drew me to Christ's love and forgiveness. So what about you? Does your life scream Christ, His love, and His forgiveness? Want to make a difference in the circles of influence God has put you in? Let his commandments be upon your heart. We'll attack the other statements in these verses in future blogs...
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