Passing it on -3

We continue with the third part of 'Passing it on' which is a practical guide suggesting simple ways to pass on your faith to your children and grandchildren.

 Today we look at Deuteronomy chapter 6 verse 6+7 says "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."

The passage talks about sharing whilst you walk along. How often do you walk and for how long?  The chances are not very much and probably not with your children.  However we do spend a lot of time and many miles in the car together.  Even if you are only the taxi service for your children you have ample opportunities.

So how can you do it?  Firstly turn off Heart FM or whatever you are listening to on the radio and talk.  The more you talk together the more you will be able to speak into their lives and share those things you want to tell them.  I remember the stories my father used to tell me about people he knew as we travelled along.  He often used to talk about the way God had used this person or met with someone else often as we were passing their house.  Children love to hear true stories and if they involve you and your history or testimony and God's goodness and faithfulness to you that is even better.

However stories eventually run out.  What else can you do?  Why not put on a CD of the dramatised bible.  There are many great resources out there, check out your Christian bookshop or online.

Finally why not walk with your children?  Walking together is a great time to talk.  Make the time especially when the weather is good and get outdoors and walk together.  You will get fitter, build deeper relationships with your children and have the time to speak into their lives.  And don't forget to listen to them as well.  See what God is doing in their lives - you may be surprised.

Passing it on - 2

I can't believe it is so long since my first post on this topic. I promised more on the subject of encouraging our children and grandchildren to continue and flourish in the Christian faith so here is the second in the series.

Deuteronomy chapter 6 verse 7 becomes very practical when talking about passing on our faith to our children. It says: “Impress them (God's laws) 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.”

Firstly the writer talks about when you sit. One of the best times to sit and talk is around the table during a meal. It is a tragedy that this is becoming very rare these days. There is currently the Bisto gravy advert that encourages families to promise to eat together at least once a week and, although this should be applauded, once a week is really nowhere near often enough for any family. Quality family time around the table is created by quantity family time around the table. The more you eat together the more conversations you will have and the greater your chance of speaking into the lives of your children.

Try to eat together as often as possible around the table. Turn off the TV, put away iPod's and mobiles and do not answer the phone. Show your kids that they are the most important thing to you and that way you will get the opportunities to speak into their lives and they will treasure those times together.