Day 89 · Week 13
Passage: Matthew 5:19; Deuteronomy 6:4–9
Memory Verse: Matthew 5:17
Matthew 5:19 (KJV)
“Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.”
We teach more than we realize.
Jesus speaks about people who both “do and teach” God's commandments. The order is important. Our lives teach alongside our words.
A parent may tell a child that honesty matters, but the lesson becomes confused if the child regularly hears that parent lie. We may say kindness matters while speaking cruelly about others. We may say worship is important while consistently treating time with God as optional.
Deuteronomy describes God's words being taught diligently to children throughout ordinary life—at home, along the way, at bedtime, and in the morning.
This is not merely formal instruction. It is a way of life.
Children especially notice whether the faith adults describe is the faith adults actually live.
None of us will model obedience perfectly. That is why repentance is also part of what we teach. When parents admit wrong and ask forgiveness, children learn that Christianity is not pretending to be flawless. It is living honestly under the grace and authority of God.
The strongest teaching combines biblical truth with a life that sincerely seeks to practice it.
What are some things people learn from us by watching our behavior rather than listening to our words?
Is there anything I say is important that my daily choices suggest is not very important?
Ask God to help your family both teach His Word faithfully and live in a way that supports what you teach.