“These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
– Deuteronomy 6:6-7
The Power of a Story
My children love listening to stories. They eat up any kind of tale — from a dinosaur on a pirate ship to a bear with a red hat and a marmalade sandwich. Their favorite treat is when we read a book that has a cinematic adaptation. As much as they love written stories, movies are a special delight.
However, my children quickly learned that the movie is never quite the same as the book. When someone else takes an author’s story and reshapes it into their own idea, the story usually falls flat. Even the most well-done adaptations miss crucial details or key backstories.
Passing Down the True Story
The authentic story of God is meant to be passed down to every generation so that our children may learn to rely on His salvation. Unlike a movie director, Christians have been given the gift of carrying the Author of Scripture with them wherever they go. The Holy Spirit lives within us (Ezekiel 36:27; Ephesians 1:13). He gives us the ability to understand, interpret, and apply God’s Word — if we are in tune with His voice.
Moses stresses the importance of parents being ready to give an answer for the Word of God. Deuteronomy 6:20 does not say “if” but “when your son asks you in the future, ‘What is the meaning of the decrees, statutes, and ordinances that the LORD our God has commanded you?’” Then you, parent, are to tell him of everything God did to save His people from the enemy and bring them into their promised inheritance.
When Children Ask “Why?”
Our children will ask us what God’s Word and teachings mean. They will wonder what the point is of reading Luke 2 every Christmas. They may even ask if, instead of a story about a donkey and palm branches, they can read about a chocolate bunny.
These questions are good. These moments are an invitation to teach. They are also an invitation to share our genuine love for God.
We can remind our children that the best stories reflect the one true Story. However, we will not be able to explain this accurately if we are not actively rehearsing God’s goodness, character, and truth to ourselves.
The Call to Teach and Sharpen
The command to teach is not passive. It is an active state with a distinct purpose. The Hebrew word for teach is shanan(shaw-nan), meaning “to whet” or “to sharpen,” like one would do to a knife. This is an intentional act designed to make something useful.
God’s Word is above and beyond a children’s book. It is greater than any history story. It is more important than any science or math fact your child will ever learn. Knowledge and understanding of God’s Word provide clear thinking, sound judgment, and transformed hearts.
If a child does not know God’s love — if he is not taught that the Bible is accessible and understandable for him — then everything else he learns is but a breath of wind. Knowledge without God is empty.
Living the Story Daily
The rhythms of storytelling ought to be woven throughout our everyday lives. We are commanded to tell the story of Scripture so that our children and grandchildren do not grow up to be a generation that does not know God.
We also need to share our personal testimonies. The stories that capture my children’s imagination aren’t set on a spaceship or in a mythical world — they’re the ones that reveal God’s faithfulness right here in our family. It amazes them to realize that their grandpa was once a little boy!
Our Stories Reflect His
Every believer’s story is a reflection of God’s living story. Our greatest successes and our darkest moments declare the compassionate work of our Mighty Redeemer.
Every new birth and every season of growth displays God’s wondrous creation. Each consequence reflects His justice. Salvation declares mercy and grace (Psalm 78).
The responsibility to repeat God’s story does not rest solely on the shoulders of parents with children at home. All Christians are called to teach God’s truth. We each share the responsibility to declare the gospel and make disciples.
Sharpening the Next Generation
The world is full of men and women who have never known a spiritual parent — who have never heard God’s story told through the lens of truth. If we want to see a generation rise up that loves God, then we must be willing to sharpen others with the story of God.
Are you rehearsing God’s story to yourself today? The more we tell His story, the more it should stir our desire to know Him deeply.
Who are you instructing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ?
Reflection
God’s story is still being told through His people.
Let’s be faithful to remember it, live it, and pass it on.
