In Deuteronomy 6:4-9, we find a foundational scripture that can help many of us navigate our roles as parents. This passage reminds us that true spiritual formation for our children does not simply end as we exit the church doors each Sunday. In our society, social media and external influences constantly vie for our children’s attention. Knowing where spiritual formation truly begins is pivotal. I recall a moment during a parenting sermon when I posed this very question: “Where is the primary source of spiritual formation for our children?” The immediate response from a well-meaning church member was “Sunday school.” While this answer highlights the value of the church, it misses the point that spiritual formation should ultimately begin in the home.
Gospel-centered parenting means nurturing our children’s spiritual growth every day of the week, not just on Sundays. It is about making discipleship a daily practice, not a weekly routine. The reality is that while Sundays provide a vital opportunity for spiritual education and community worship, it should not be the only spiritual formation a child receives. The main source of influence should be in the home.
As we explore this crucial role of parents and grandparents, we will dive into practical ways to embody and teach these values consistently at home. The battle for our children’s hearts is waged daily, and as parents, we are on the front lines. It is a profound calling — to shepherd them not just towards success, love, and societal contributions, but towards a heartfelt relationship with God that defines their very essence and purpose.
1. Show Your Children How to Love God by Your Example
In Deuteronomy 6:4-6 you find part of the Shema, an ancient command that has resonated through centuries, surpassing the rise and fall of empires and enduring through turbulent times. This passage embodies the profound truth about parenting and spiritual leadership within the family. The Shema instructs us not only to listen but to embody God’s teachings, impressing upon our children the importance of loving God with all our heart, soul, and might.
The command to “love the Lord your God” is foundational. It is the cornerstone of how we should lead by example in our families. It challenges us to reflect on whether our daily lives truly prioritize God above all else. This reflection is crucial because our children absorb not only our words but also our actions. They see when we set aside time for prayer, when we make decisions that honor God’s commands, and even when we choose to put God first above our personal desires and ambitions.
Loving God with all our heart, soul, and might means integrating our faith into every aspect of our daily lives, demonstrating to our children that our relationship with God is not solely meant for Sunday worship. It is about showing them that faith influences how we interact with others, how we handle challenges, and how we prioritize our time and resources. The Shema does not call for a segmented love of God, kept in isolation from other parts of our lives; it demands a holistic devotion, where God’s commandments are lived out.
Implementing this in parenting means creating an environment where God’s love is tangible, where His teachings mold our actions and interactions. It is about ensuring that our children do not just hear about God’s greatness but see it reflected in how we live our lives every day. This act of living faith transparently becomes the conduit through which faith travels from parent to child. As we embody the principles of the Shema, we become the first and most influential teachers of faith to our children, providing a model of godliness that is more caught than taught.
To parent beyond Sunday is to understand that while church and Sunday school play pivotal roles in spiritual education, the true depth of a child’s spiritual understanding and conviction is cultivated through the daily witness of their parents’ devotion. This consistent, visible love for God kindles a similar passion in their young hearts, setting a foundation for a lifelong relationship with the Creator. Parenting within the framework of the Shema requires intentionality. Our greatest testimony to our children is a life well lived in the service and love of God.
2. Be Diligent to Teach Children to Love God Beyond Sunday
Instructing our children in the ways of God requires more than just exemplary living; it necessitates active and intentional teaching. Deuteronomy 6:7-9 emphasizes the importance of diligently teaching our children about God’s commands. This passage is a practical guide to embedding God’s truths in the daily rhythms of life — when sitting at home, walking along the road, lying down, and rising up. This continuous exposure helps root faith deeply within our children’s hearts.
This does not always have to be a formal teaching moment but can happen in the ordinary moments of everyday life. It involves talking about God’s perfection and discussing human sinfulness, not shying away from these discussions, regardless of the discomfort they may bring. By openly discussing these topics, we set the stage for introducing Jesus, His sacrifice, and His resurrection, laying a foundational understanding of the gospel. Integrating spiritual discussions throughout your day should become as natural as any daily activity, such as eating or sleeping. For instance, conversations about faith can happen during a commute, at dinner, or during bedtime routines. The command to bind these teachings “on your hands” and “on your foreheads” symbolically illustrates this, suggesting that God’s laws should guide all actions and thoughts.
Creating a home environment that visibly honors God’s commands — like placing Scripture on doorposts or engaging in daily Bible readings — serves as a constant reminder of His presence and our commitment to Him. This does not mean turning our homes into mini-churches, but rather ensuring that spiritual principles permeate our living spaces, guiding interactions and decisions.
However, for many families, their schedule is packed with activities and distractions that can sideline spiritual education. That is why it is crucial to seize every available moment. As we drive our children to school, rather than letting this time dissolve into silence or be filled with digital noise, we can discuss Scripture or pray together, turning commutes into precious moments of spiritual formation.
We must remember, that the responsibility of teaching our children does not rest on the church alone but is primarily ours. Churches and Sunday schools support this mission by reinforcing the values and lessons taught at home. As parents and grandparents, we are tasked with using our time intentionally — each moment is an opportunity. Ultimately, disciplining our children in the ways of faith is crucial. This ongoing process is not just about correction but about nurturing a deep, enduring relationship with God that will equip them to face the world as passionate disciples of Christ.
Parenting beyond Sunday means integrating faith into the daily ebb and flow of life, making God’s truths not just known, but lived and loved within the family. This dedication ensures that when our children step out into the world, they do so not only with a knowledge of the gospel but with a personal conviction and faith that can stand firm.
