Are We Teaching Them In Our "Everyday Talk"?

Ok...I have read this great book by John Younts about 2 years ago maybe...and in the move this book stood out to be as one to re-read. You know, when you are putting things away and something grabs your attention? Well, I have pulled this book back out and, despite my growing reading list, I have re-read through this book over the past week and I am reminded at just how great this book is to call out my imperfections and shortcomings - you know, just the kind of book you love to hate!

So, as misery loves company, let me see if any of you "fall short" like I do (of course not, I know it is just me!). Let's start where everything should: the Word of God!

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 "These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. 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." So, pretty much all day, everyday right? So, is it safe to say that we are to put the commandments into our everyday life in such a way that our children see and learn them from us on a regular basis? How successfully are we placing the law of God before our children on a daily basis?

Ok, most of us pat ourselves on the back for having them in church on Sundays and Wednesdays, we say the blessing with them at dinner and we even push to have prayer time at bedtime...but are we keeping the commandments, the law of God, before them when we are walking/driving, when we are sitting, when we are teaching schoolwork, when we are talking with friends, when we are visiting family, etc.?

Now, before you go into the parent's lecture about hours in the day, work schedules and doing our best....let's remember what we are dealing with here (remember, I am right there beside you on this road!)...let's remember WHY we do these things:

Solomon, after witnessing the destruction in the wake of King David's sin (his father) and the heartbreak that resulted from it, is pleading with children to heed wisdom and warnings of their parents and avoid that same heartbreak: Proverbs 4
"Listen, my sons, to a father's instruction;
pay attention and gain understanding.
I give you sound learning,
so do not forsake my teaching.
When I was a boy in my father's house
still tender and an only child of my mother,
he taught me and said,
"Lay hold of my words with all your heart,
keep my commands and you will live.
Get wisdom, get understanding;
do not forget my words or swerve from them.
Do not forsake wisdom and she will protect you...

I guide you in the way of wisdom
and lead you along straight paths.
When you walk, your steps will not be hampered;
when you run, you will not stumble.
Hold on to instruction, do not let it go;
guard it well, for it is your life.
Do not set foot on the path of the wicked
or walk in the way of evil men.
Avoid it, do not travel on it;
turn from it and go on your way.
For they cannot sleep till they do evil;
they are robbed of slumber til they make someone fall....

My son, pay attention to what I say;
listen closely to my words,
Do not let them out of your sight,
keep them within your heart;
for they are life to those who find them
and health to a man's whole body.
Above all else, guard your heart,
for it is the wellspring of life.
Put away perversity from your mouth;
keep corrupt talk from your lips.
Let your eyes look straight ahead,
fix your gaze directly before you.
Make level paths for your feet
and take only ways that are firm.
Do not swerve to the right or the left,
keep your foot from evil.

Is this not what we would want for our children? Is this not the plea of every parent? How firm are our "everyday words" that they can hold on to? Can they "pay attention to what I say and listen closely to my words" on a daily basis? Am I giving them wisdom and guidance that will keep them on a firm path? I fear not...my everyday words are filled with do's and don'ts and far too few "the Bible says"...

Next blog, how do we change our "Everyday Talk" to make an impact on our children for eternity and what in the world is "Parentspeak"?

Michele Everson, Proud wife of Pastor Chad Everson and
Proud Mama to two wonderful boys!