Oh Be Careful- Deut 11

When I was a little girl, we used to sing a song in Sunday School that went something like this…
“Oh be careful little eyes what you see.. Oh be careful little ears what you hear… Oh be careful little feet where you go… for the Father up above is looking down in love…” Two things stood out to me as I read Deut. 11. One is how many times Moses tells the people to be careful to obey or to obey carefully. The second is the mandate that Moses gives to parents on teaching their children about their faith.

First of all, Moses told the people to be careful to obey or obey carefully 5 different times. It made me wonder if I am careful obey. It is not like I go out of my way to disobey but do I purposely set myself to watch what my eyes see, my ears hear, my mouth says and where my feet go. One place where I have noticed I am not as careful as I should be is with my family and close friends. Am I careful with the words that come out of my mouth and how they are said? Am I careful what I hear about others even if it is coming from a loved one? Is my walk inside my home the same as it is outside my home? Which leads to the second point, Moses encouraged the parents to teach their children about God and what He has done. We are to teach God’s word to our children in our homes, as we go along the road, when we go to bed and when we get up. How do children learn best? Children mimic what they see their parents do whether we like it or not. When I lose my temper over a little thing, I will often see my children doing the same later that day. On the other hand, I remember when Big D was four he would often ask someone how their day was then listen to the response. He learned that from watching his daddy talk to people. Our walk needs to match our talk not only because it glorifies God but for our children’s sake. Right now I am working on my responses when things don’t like I had planned. I am also working on being a better listener. I still mess up and have to ask for forgiveness but God is faithful. Being careful and teaching your children go hand in hand. I can’t really do one without the other.

Dear God, Thank you for your grace in all things especially as we raise our children. Help me to be careful to obey you in all things big and small. May I be diligent to teach my children your ways through my words and actions. Amen