Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Exposing Children to the Virtue of Obedience


Deuteronomy 28:1-6
 Alan Mathews Sam
Phoenix MTC, AZ
"If you will only obey the Lord your God, by diligently observing all his commandments that I am commanding you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth; 2 all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the Lord your God:"

 
Why obedience is called a ‘virtue’? A ‘virtue’ is a high moral standard. Obedience is something that is lacking in every aspect of our society today. From the roots of the family to the society outside, is there a shortfall in obedience shown by human beings, whether it be parents, elders or even the law? Obedience is something that should have been natural from the time a child is born.

 

In Genesis 12, we read about Abraham’s obedience to God when He asks him to leave everything and go to the promised land. It is just that humility and obedience from him that made him the father of the nation. The Bible has many verses on obedience that focus on the bringing up of children in the light of it.

 

The passage mentioned above from Deuteronomy, beautifully throws light on the blessing of an obedient child of God. The entire chapter explains about the blessings in the first half and the curses of disobedience in the second half. Being obedient in today’s society is more difficult than ever before. We tend to follow ways in which the world around us leads us. But is it worth more than the blessing mentioned from verses 3-6?

 

We can read in Proverbs 13:24 ‘Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him’. This is a simple verse explaining that children are exposed to obedience first from the family in which they are brought up. Disciplining children enough in the ripe young age, however tough it might be,  shows result when the child grows to be full grown adult independent in the society.

 

So let us pray that children around us in our families, church and society are exposed to importance of obedience. Our Lord will help us in inculcating this value in them.

PRAYER

Father God, we pray to you that each one of us understand the meaning of obedience. Help us to control our temptations and be always willing to heed your voice and Lord, please be the centre of everything in our life. Let our obedience be a blessing to everyone around us. We know everything is possible in Your name. Thank You for Your mercy and grace. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
 
“Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6


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