Teaching is Not Just for the Experts

Hooray! The kids are back to school and parents get a break, right? Not so fast — God calls us to teach our children to have a heart for Him, not just educate them in the world’s strategies. But how do we do that?

Deuteronomy 6:7 says, “You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” The word diligent carries a lot of meaning — to be industrious, meticulous, careful, thorough, attentive, conscientious…

I was once an elementary teacher. I quickly learned that you cannot merely wing-it when teaching children. I had to think ahead about the year’s l schedule. I searched for materials and creative ideas. I planned out each lesson.

Likewise, God gives us the job to prepare our children in their spiritual lives. We cannot leave this vital teaching to Sunday school teacher or educators. All parents seeking to raise a child after God’s own heart must be committed to the teaching of God’s ways.

If you are in this position, shouldn’t you be committed to:

  • Instructing your children in God’s ways?
  • Planning to some extent how you will accomplish this goal?
  • Scheduling a time each day for some kind of formal Bible time?
  • Encouraging your child to have some time alone with God?
  • Coaching them in ways to have daily devotions?
  • Searching for age-appropriate materials and fellow parents ideas for helping children grow?
  • Praying daily about this mission from God, this teacher role He has personally given you?

In his book Shepherding a Child’s Heart, author Tedd Tripp gives this challenge to parents:

“You shepherd your child on God’s behalf. The task God has given you is not one that can be conveniently scheduled. It is a pervasive task. Training and shepherding are going on whenever you are with your children. Whether waking, walking, talking or resting, you must be involved in helping your child to understand life, himself and his needs from a biblical perspective.”

Wherever and whenever the two of you are together is God’s opportunity for you to teach your child about Him. So take advantage and be purposeful with the gift of such times. But, if they are too few and far between, plan, schedule, and determine to make them happen as if it were your most important job on earth — for it is!

Question: What discussion or activity will you plan today to guide your child into a better understanding of God?

Special Contest Announcement:
To share our excitement over launching our new website, we’re offering a fun contest where you can win exciting the entire After God’s Own Heart library of books – 17 total books! Plus, we’ll be giving away copies of our brand new books, A Woman’s Guide to Making Right Choices and A Man After God’s Own Heart – Devotional. Click here for details to submit your entry before the deadline.

Read Teaching is Not Just for the Experts on Elizabeth & Jim George.


Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.

Jim and Elizabeth George

Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:

  • Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
  • Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
  • Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
  • Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
  • Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
  • Enjoy greater intimacy with God.

Learn more about Jim and Elizabeth George here.

Jim and Elizabeth George

Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:

  • Simplify life by focusing on God’s priorities.
  • Appreciate God’s Word and apply it to everyday situations.
  • Respond to circumstances with confidence by seeing yourself through God’s loving eyes.
  • Increase closeness in marriage by serving and honoring each other.
  • Powerfully shape the hearts of children and teenagers.
  • Enjoy greater intimacy with God.

Learn more about Jim and Elizabeth George here.


Also in From Our Hearts

Forgiving Others by Elizabeth and Jim George
Forgiving Others

by Elizabeth George October 01, 2024

Family time offers many opportunities to gather with people who have hurt us and whom we may otherwise avoid. Thankfully, God’s Word can help us navigate such relationships.
Read More
Money Management is a Spiritual Issue
Money Management is a Spiritual Issue

by Elizabeth George September 17, 2024

I’ve heard it said that you can tell the spiritual maturity of a man by looking at his bank account or his credit card statements. Well, how do yours look? What do they reveal about you and your spiritual maturity? What would another person see if they were allowed a peek at your accounts?

Read More
elizabeth-george trusting-God-with-everything
Trusting God With Everything

by Elizabeth George September 03, 2024

Contentment is almost an extinct virtue, yet it is one of the greatest blessings in the world. The Word of God calls us to be content. In fact, Paul shares with us in 1 Timothy 6 that godliness with contentment is great gain and that food and clothing are all we need to be content
Read More