The “Classroom” of Marriage
You’re the Professor. Your Children are the Students.
The metaphor of marriage as a "morality class" is a powerful image that elevates the role of parents to a higher level of responsibility. It underscores the importance of intentionality in teaching children values, particularly biblical ones, in a world filled with distractions and conflicting moral messages.
The metaphor of marriage as a "morality class" is a powerful image that elevates the role of parents to a higher level of responsibility. It underscores the importance of intentionality in teaching children values, particularly biblical ones, in a world filled with distractions and conflicting moral messages.
Deuteronomy 11:16-21
Be careful, or you will be enticed to turn away and worship other gods and bow down to them. Then the Lord’s anger will burn against you, and he will shut up the heavens so that it will not rain and the ground will yield no produce, and you will soon perish from the good land the Lord is giving you. Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many in the land the Lord swore to give your ancestors, as many as the days that the heavens are above the earth.
In this view, parents are not just partners in a relationship but also moral educators shaping the next generation. Deuteronomy 11:16-21 reminds us of God's command to instill His ways in the hearts and minds of our children, reinforcing the idea that faith and values are not optional add-ons but core foundations of life. The "classroom" of marriage, therefore, is not passive but an active, ongoing engagement that happens in everyday moments—when we sit, walk, lie down, and rise.
The challenge today, as pointed out, is the presence of competing voices—social media, entertainment, and societal norms—that are shaping children's worldview in real-time. If parents do not intentionally take on the role of moral instructors, these external influences will fill the void.
The challenge today, as pointed out, is the presence of competing voices—social media, entertainment, and societal norms—that are shaping children's worldview in real-time. If parents do not intentionally take on the role of moral instructors, these external influences will fill the void.
Takeaway
The practical takeaway is clear: Parents must step up to teach their children consistently and intentionally about God’s ways, even when it's uncomfortable or met with resistance. The idea of having weekly conversations with your spouse and creating a routine for family instruction echoes the rhythm of life described in Deuteronomy. It’s a call to prioritize spiritual and moral education within the home, which will leave a lasting impact, even if it's not immediately visible.
Your personal story is a testament to the enduring power of this kind of upbringing. Even in times of rebellion or wandering, the teachings of your parents were seeds that ultimately bore fruit later in life. This serves as a reminder that no effort in this area is wasted; God's truth, when planted in the hearts of children, has the potential to grow and flourish, even in challenging circumstances.
The question, "How about you?" is an invitation to every parent to reflect on their own role in this critical responsibility. It challenges parents to be proactive in shaping the moral and spiritual character of their children, not leaving it to chance or outside influences.
Your personal story is a testament to the enduring power of this kind of upbringing. Even in times of rebellion or wandering, the teachings of your parents were seeds that ultimately bore fruit later in life. This serves as a reminder that no effort in this area is wasted; God's truth, when planted in the hearts of children, has the potential to grow and flourish, even in challenging circumstances.
The question, "How about you?" is an invitation to every parent to reflect on their own role in this critical responsibility. It challenges parents to be proactive in shaping the moral and spiritual character of their children, not leaving it to chance or outside influences.