Keeping the First Thing First: Living and Passing On the Word of God

“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children…” ~ Deuteronomy 6:6–7 (NKJV)

The command to keep God’s words close to our hearts isn't just a nice idea; it is essential. We are called to love the Lord our God with all our heart, all our soul, and all our strength. This is not a suggestion—it is the very foundation of our lives. It is what gives shape and meaning to who we are. In a world saturated with competing gods, shifting values, and endless belief systems, our devotion may seem quiet by comparison. But it is anything but hollow. It is deep, steady, and alive.

We do not need to chase after every new experience or insight the world offers. Our identity is rooted in something far greater—God Himself. When He is at the center, love becomes not just a feeling, but a way of life. It transforms how we speak, how we act, and how we see the people around us. It grounds us in truth and calls us to live with intention.

This love—this way of life—is not just for us. Scripture calls us to pass it on: “You shall teach them diligently to your children…” But before we can teach, we must embody. God’s Word must first take root in our own hearts. Our children are watching—not just what we say, but how we live. They are learning who God is through our responses, our routines, and our relationships.

Each day offers countless, often unnoticed moments to lead them—to model faith in action. When we forgive, when we show kindness, when we speak truth or admit wrong, we are putting God on display. Our children learn that He is not distant or reserved for Sunday mornings. He is present in every meal shared, every tear wiped, every prayer whispered.

God is part of their everyday life, because He is part of ours.

Let’s take the charge seriously. Let us lead not with perfection, but with purpose. Let the Word of God dwell richly in us, that it might overflow into the hearts of the next generation.

A Thoughtful Reflection

This powerful command is more than instruction—it’s a vision for generational transformation. It calls us to internalize God’s Word so deeply that it becomes the compass of our lives and the legacy we pass on to our children.

In a world where values constantly shift and distractions abound, anchoring ourselves in God’s truth provides clarity and direction. When His Word is written on our hearts, love, faith, and integrity become the foundation of our character—and that foundation remains firm no matter what changes around us.

A family discussing values and experiences together in a cozy setting.

This kind of rootedness doesn’t just influence our own journey—it shapes the future of those who follow us. When our children see a life defined by divine purpose, they’re more likely to adopt that same path. We’re not just raising children; we’re raising legacy-bearers.

When God’s Word shapes our identity, we no longer chase after the world’s shallow promises for belonging or worth. We live from a place of fullness, not lack. Our values aren’t borrowed from culture—they rise from within, inspired by the love we’ve received from God and are called to share. In this way, we live with purpose, free from the noise of the world, and focused on what truly matters.