PASS IT ON

It is not only a privilege to be a parent, it is also a great responsibility. What our children will become morally and spiritually will largely be determined by their early training at home, and by the influence of their parents. Verses 5-7 of this psalm show the importance that God attaches to the teaching of His Word in these early impressionable days, while the children are still within the reach of home influence: “he … appointed a law in Israel… that they should make them known to their children”. In this context, the law was not given to enable leaders to govern the nation, but that children should be taught. Verse 6 shows that the purpose was that these children should in turn teach their children, and so on from generation to generation. And why? Verse 7 reveals God’s intention: “that they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments”.

That this was to be a constant practice is shown in Deuteronomy 6. 7, where it would seem to be implied that at all times and in all circumstances the parent would draw attention to God’s requirements. The ways of God in His dealing with their nation was to be constantly asserted, Exod. 13. 8, 14.

Having wrecked their lives in reckless living, how many young men and women have said, “If only my parents had taught me the truth”. This is old fashioned, according to modern views; yet, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it”, Prov. 22. 6.

Are we challenged by these thoughts? Sitting quietly now, with our Bible before us, are we satisfied that our children have learned from our teaching and example the truth about God? Have we taught them from the Word their need of a Saviour, and how they may lead a God-pleasing life?

In the N.T. we have an impressive example of this: “from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation”, 2 Tim. 3. 15. In verse 14, Paul speaks of those “of whom thou hast learned them”. And who are they? In 2 Timothy 1. 5, we discover the answer: “thy grandmother … and thy mother”. Moreover, Paul charged Timothy to do what his mother had done to him, “preach the word, be instant in season, out of season”, 4. 1, 2. See also 2. 2.