Family Devotions

Family devotions should be an important part of the Christian life. Often, the subject is approached in an "I can't believe they're expecting me to do another thing" kind of attitude. Others reject family devotions (worship) as legalism. However, family devotions are simply an extension of the primary expectation of all true believers: worshiping the Lord.

Although it seems obvious, we were created and redeemed to live a life of worship. There are many ways in which we do this, and worship should come from every corner of our life. The way in which we work can be an act of worship. Singing can be an act of worship. Giving to those in need can be an act of worship. Hearing a sermon can be an act of worship. Gathering as a family to worship God should be as natural to us (as believers) as going to church.

Do you feel awkward praying with your family? Or talking about the Bible? For those of you with children, do you feel embarrassed when they ask you questions about baptism, the Lord's Supper, or other topics of the faith? Do you struggle to answer their questions?

We assume that taking our children to church that we ensure their spiritual growth. We assume that Sunday School and worship will prepare them to comprehend the faith. At will at least get them as far as we got. But is that what God expects of us? The family model in Old Testament times can be found in Deuteronomy 6.  Moses wrote,

Listen, Israel: the LORD our God, the LORD is One. Love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. These words 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. Bind them as a sign on your hand and let hem be a symbol on your forehead. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates (Deut. 6:4-8, HCSB).

In short, we are to seize every possible opportunity to instruct our children in the faith. Even our house is supposed to be set up in such a way that our priorities are reflected to our children. It's not enough to take them to church, we must gently instruct them in our homes and on the road. We do this through teaching and modeling the faith.

Some may argue that the Old Testament pattern is no longer valid. We live under grace not the law. Yet, Jesus commanded, "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age" (Matt. 28:19-20, HCSB, emphasis mine). Although Jesus' words are not directly related to children, they do set forth the pattern. The concept of Deuteronomy 6:4-8 is evident in the ministry of Jesus. He taught his disciples at home and on the road. The Word of God was in his heart, and he instructed his followers.

God has given to every believing parent the ministry of discipling their children. He has left it up to you to shape their hearts for his glory. The church is their to help you accomplish this task. Through the ministry of the Word, you are taught what the believe and why. Through the ministry of prayer, you are strengthened and encouraged. Through the ministry of fellowship, you find a network of support. Through the ministry of worship, you find your place in the larger work of God.

Family devotions equip you and your family to grow in Christ Jesus. There are many benefits to practicing family devotions. Here are some that I can think of:

• It allows you to spend time with your family. In an age of cell phones, internet, and constant activity, family devotions allow you slow down for a few moments and enjoy your family.  

• The family that prays together, stays together. A common faith creates a strong family bond.

• It allows you, as the parent, to shepherd your children's hearts. You become the prime spiritual influence in the lives of your children.

• It helps you become more familiar with the Bible. As you read the Bible together daily as a family, you learn more of it's content.

• It helps you become more familiar with the teachings of the Bible. Christianity is a faith with definite content (doctrines). As you read the Bible together you will also encounter the truths of the faith.

• It will help you (and your children) to get more out of teaching and preaching at church. Again, personal and family devotions equip you for corporate worship.

• It prepares your children's hearts for the gospel. As you teach them about God, sin, Jesus, repentance, faith, the new birth, and other biblical doctrines, your turning over the soil of their hearts so that the seed of the gospel might take root and produce faith.

As we have seen, family worship should be a part of family life. We have also seen there are important reasons to practice family worship, and several benefits to it. Tomorrow, we will look at how to have a family devotional time. What are your thoughts on family devotions? Does your family have devotional times together? If not, why not? If so, what do your devotional times look like? Leave a comment, I would love to hear from you.