“These commandments that I give you today are to be on 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.” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7)

Sometimes reading scripture can be hard because it points out a short coming in our lives. As a parent, I know that busy schedules and the demands of the day have often taken priority over creating teachable moments with the kids. And when difficult situations arise, frustration and anger tends to bring out words far from Godly encouragement. Worse yet, I usually fall into the age old trap of “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” Which in general is a good rule to follow. But when your responsibility is to guide and teach those God put under your authority, inaction [not saying anything] is falling short and missing the mark. Today’s scripture, on the other hand, clearly states that God gave us the rules and commandments not only to live by but to pass down to future generations. These commandments are to be “on our hearts,” meaning that God’s law should be in the forefront of our thoughts and actions at all times. In doing this, it also sets the pace for those around us.

The remaining verse of Deuteronomy 6:7, describes the totality of the first statement made in verse 6. We are to pass our Christian values down to our children. Not only when the time is right, but at all times. From the dinner table to walks in the park, and from sun up to sun down, we are to impart God’s word on the next generation. Some of you reading this nugget may or may not have your own children, but I can guarantee that at some point you will have an opportunity to influence this next generation. Think about today’s verses, and don’t fall into the trap of inaction. Have God in your heart, and share it wherever and whenever you can.