Key Verse: Verse 7 – “And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
Key Words: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children
Some of the best maintenance is preventive. If you can prevent a problem from occurring, you are much better off physically, financially, and emotionally. The same is true in dealing with your children. One of the most important things a mother or father can do to help prevent behavior problems is to have a nightly or daily family altar (or family devotions). A family altar helps in at least seven areas.
It is a means by which the Word of God can be exalted in the home. I’ve never known of a young person who loved and exalted God’s Word to be a discipline problem. Love and exalt the Word of God (Psalm 119:11, 18, 105).
It is a means by which the family can pray and communicate together. There is nothing like a father praying openly for his wife and children, a mother for her husband, sons and daughters, and children praying for mom and dad and each other. Note: Jesus never taught the disciples to preach but he did teach them to pray (Matthew 6:9-13).
It sets the right example. When parents take time to show their love for God’s Word and a desire to share it with their children, it sets the right example for our children to go by.
It is an opportunity to train your children while they are trainable (Ecclesiastes 12:1).
It is an opportunity to teach your children the importance of and obedience to you as parents (I Timothy 5:4).
It is a means by which children can be won to Christ (Mark 10:13-16). What a privilege to see that your children understand the plan of salvation and have the opportunity to play a vital part in their salvation.
It is a means by which your children can mature spiritually (II Peter 3:18). If your children attend every church service your local church has, they still get less than eight hours of Bible per week. A family altar offers more time for family growth spiritually.
Very few children have behavior problems when mom and dad sit down with them every day for just a few minutes to learn from God’s Word.
What to do:
✞ Set aside a time for your family to have a family altar.
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