“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 (NIV)
Before a society ever existed, before there were tribes, communities, or nations, there was family. When God created Adam and Eve, He instituted the very first family, the foundational unit from which all of human society would be born. This is why, throughout history, even when empires and nations crumbled, the family unit remained. It’s also why the family is so central to God’s plan—and so fiercely contested. In cases of serious, unrepentant disobedience, we see God’s judgment fall not just on an individual, but on the whole family (Joshua 7:24).
Think about the progression of sin: It starts with an individual. It is then integrated into the family. From there, it’s tolerated by the clan, adopted by the community, and eventually, a whole nation becomes abominable.
If we trace that path backward, where is the most critical focal point? Where could this slide have been stopped? At the family level.
A History of Faithfulness and Failure
We see this pattern played out in Scripture. God made a promise to Abraham, and as his offspring remained obedient, God remained close to them. In fulfillment of that promise, He brought the Israelites into Canaan to form a mighty nation, Israel.
But we also see the tragic reverse. At the time of Israel’s gross rebellion, God allowed other nations to conquer and rule them. By the time the Romans controlled Jerusalem, things were in a desperate state. This period was so testing that even the priests—those who served in God’s temple—could not recognize God when He appeared before them in human form!
This is a clear indication of how far they had wandered. They had taken their heritage and their position for granted, believing they were the masters. They were conceited. When Jesus, the very one they claimed to be waiting for, appeared to them, they couldn’t handle it. Their only option was to murder Him. What a shame! Yet, even as many servants of God went astray, a few individuals and families remained committed. And God remained close to them. One of these obedient families was that of Joseph and Mary, whom God gave the staggering privilege of being the earthly parents of Jesus. They obeyed God, and He honored them.
The Home as the Epicenter
Today, as the Gospel of Christ is preached all over the world, we are seeing the same pattern: individuals and families are denouncing rebellion and returning to God through His son, Jesus Christ. Our churches are being populated, one by one, with Christian individuals and families.
In the Church, we belong to many groups and societies that influence our behavior and culture. But the single biggest impact springs from our homes, where the deepest, most honest communication takes place.
If a married couple does not know God and is entirely preoccupied with earthly treasures above righteousness, they will inevitably adopt each other’s vices. If there’s no fear of God in them, they will adopt any habit or behavior that only benefits them. That family will then nurture children who do not know God and who pursue their own interests, just like their parents.
This is the opposite of God’s design. God has already instructed His people to obey Him, live by His statutes, and instruct their children in those statutes. And those children are to instruct their children, establishing His righteousness throughout generations. We now live in a society where this trend has been broken. As a result, nations have been born where God is not honored as He should be.
A Call to Action
Let’s get honest with ourselves. The devotional states that sin starts with an individual and is “integrated in the family.” How can you create a family culture where sin is exposed and righteousness is pursued, rather than letting sin be ignored or tolerated?
The priests in Jesus’ time “had taken everything for granted.” In what areas might your family be “taking God for granted”? Have spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, or service become empty routines rather than heartfelt obedience?
Finally, God’s command is to “instruct our children in His statutes” to establish righteousness “throughout generations.” Are you being intentional about this instruction, or are you just assuming your children (or younger relatives) will “pick it up”?
From Passive to Purposeful
Thinking about that last question, identify one area where your family’s spiritual life has become passive. Based on our Key Scripture (Deuteronomy 6:6-7), choose one specific time and place this week to “talk about” God’s commandments and His goodness.
Here are a few ideas:
- At the dinner table, ask everyone to share one way they saw God’s faithfulness that day.
- While driving to school or work, intentionally pray with your family instead of just listening to the radio.
- At bedtime, read a short passage of scripture together.
The goal is to move from assuming faith to actively discussing it.
A Prayer for Your Family
You can make this prayer your own:
“Father in Heaven, thank You for designing the family as the foundation of society and the first place where Your love is to be known. Forgive me for the times I have failed to be a diligent guardian of my home, allowing sin to be tolerated or letting my devotion to You grow cold.
I pray for my family. Protect us from adopting the vices of the world and from pursuing our own interests above Yours. Help me, Lord, to obey Your command to impress Your statutes on the hearts of the next generation.. May my home be a place, like Joseph and Mary’s, that is known for obedience to You, and may we be a source of light to our community and nation.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
