Since we were seeded in Birmingham, my family was able to come down to the game. The night before the game during our normal Bible study time, I decided to have my three and four-year-old son lead the devotion. See the video below.
I started off by asking the guys if they had ever heard of the Apostles' Creed. One, in the entire travel party had heard of the creed, Coach Ian. The Apostles' Creed is doctrinally sound and a great teaching tool for young people.
I read it aloud to them. I read it a second time, having the team repeat each line. Finally, I challenged them with an opportunity to recite it out of memory. Some of the players tried but failed.
I asked my three and four-year-old sons (Judah and Josiah) to come up one at time to give it a go. I had them stand up on a chair to present. (See below)
I concluded by reading…
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 NIV
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.
I wanted to emphasize that Moses had the Israelites talk about spiritual things with their kids throughout the day, when they got up in the morning, when they sat down, when they laid down at night and while traveling to school/work, etc.
Obviously, my kids didn’t recite that from memory after only one time of hearing it. It took time, it took practice, it took repetition. It’s like shooting free throws. You just got to do it over and over. Repetition of thinking or doing the right things will make it stick.
Being in the Word is no different. The more you read the Word, the more you know about God. The more you know about God, the more you love him. The more you love him, the more likely you will pass down that knowledge from generation to generation (Psalm 102:18, Psalm 145).
As the team Pastor it is important that I exemplify that within my family, while demonstrating that to our staff/players. Jesus said to be a light in Matthew, and living out what I am preaching each day with my family is the best way to be a light.
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