As society slips ever-closer to the brink of moral and spiritual collapse, we are left to ponder the question David asked: “If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Ps. 11:3). Our response to escalating violence and deteriorating morality in society, at large, and in our schools, in particular, must include teaching our children ten important life-principles. As we have previously discussed, children need to be taught that they are the special creation of God and that, as such, there is value and purpose to life.
However, such purpose will not be taught in a secular society. It must be taught by those who seek God’s righteousness. Meaningful purpose in life is revealed through the gospel of Jesus Christ (Rm. 1:16-17) and carried out in harmony with God’s commandments (Ps. 119:172). This is why our children must be taught to love God’s word.
As “a man after [God’s] heart, who [would] do all [God’s] will” (Acts 13:22), David possessed a great love for the word of God. The longest chapter of the Bible was given through the inspired hand of David. In it, David’s love for and dedication to God’s word is clearly evident. He exclaims, “O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day” (Ps. 119:97). He described God’s word, saying, it “is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (vs. 105). God’s word was David’s source of guidance and strength to overcome wickedness. He prayed, “Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You” (vs. 11).
What a blessing is a child who has been taught to love God’s word! From an early age, children pick up on the special nature of God’s word. With their little hands holding tightly their copy of the Bible, children enthusiastically sing of their love for the B-I-B-L-E! Oh, that such love and enthusiasm would follow them through the course of their lives! And it will if parents and spiritual mentors show them how to cultivate the habit of a daily study of God’s word.
Love for God’s word leads quite naturally into developing a healthy respect for authority. This is the fourth thing we must teach our children. We plan to take a look at this, along with the value of discipline, in next week’s bulletin article.