InterconnectedExemplo

The God-Infused Life

Sometimes when I overhear my sister talking, she sounds so much like my mom that I have to laugh. I laugh partly at her for mimicking our mother, and partly because I know I do the same thing. In fact, the older I get, the more I catch myself doing and saying things just like my parents. It shouldn’t be a surprise; parents influence us more than just about anyone.

Moses, the writer of Deuteronomy, knew that when he recorded this verse. He instructed parents—and really all adults who interact with children—to use their power of influence for good.

You see, our beliefs about God and our faith aren’t supposed to be confined to a particular day or a location. Moses said they are to permeate every breath we take, and in this way we pass on our faith in a natural and authentic way.

When you’re going about your day, do you talk about God with the children He has entrusted to you? Do you thank Him for the food on the table and the clothes in the dresser? Do you discuss whether specific actions are pleasing to Him? When you’re outside, do you talk about the artistic Creator who made everything? When your children have a problem at school or they’re having difficulty obeying, do you stop what you’re doing and pray with them? Do your children know that obeying God’s rules and commands not only pleases God, but also protects them and preserves their life?

Children are keen observers. They notice the attitude with which we submit to God’s authority. They know better than anyone if Christianity is an accessory we add to our church clothes or if our faith infuses the details of our lives. Let’s live our lives as Moses instructed—with God’s instructions saturating and filtering all we do and say. And then, when our children are older, their words and actions will reflect the Savior, because they saw the Savior in us.

DIG: What are some biblical instructions you should be passing on to your children?
DISCOVER: When your children observe you, do they see an accurate reflection of the Savior?
DISPLAY: Make a point today to incorporate conversations about God into your regular routine with your kids.