Dear friends,

Our two kids would always comment if there are vehicles in the right lane which do not turn right but are waiting for the green light to move forward (they know that right lane vehicles should always turn right, and turning right is always a go). Both of them would also say something if there are drivers who would move forward even though the traffic light is still red. One piercing comment that they said was “How will these parents teach their children to do the right thing if they themselves cannot do it?” Indeed, a comment worth remembering.

We are reminded of Deuteronomy 11:18-20 —  “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. And you shall teach them to your children by talking about them when you sit in your house and when you travel on the road and when you lie down and when you get up. And you shall write them on the doorframes of your house and on your gates…”

Here are a few lessons that we can learn from these verses:

First, parents should be exemplary models. Children can see what we are doing, and hear what we are saying. Tieing the Scriptures to our hands, and foreheads is a symbolism that everything that we say and do should be according to the Word of God.

Second, parents should take time to teach their children about God. There are many opportunities to teach our children — while sitting, traveling, before bedtime and after waking up, and many more. Anytime can be lesson time.

Third, parents should see to it that their children will read the Scriptures. Children should start reading the Bible. They should also be able see Bible verses inside their homes. These printed verses are visual reminders that will surely leave an imprint in the young minds of our children.

Let us be glad when our children point out wrongdoings in our society. This means that we have imparted Christian values to them.

Sincerely,

Rev. Francis Neil G. Jalando-on
Acting Director
Office of Communications
Central Philippine University