“I teach you the statutes and decrees as the LORD, my God, has commanded me, that you may observe them in the land you are entering to occupy. Observe them carefully, for thus will you give evidence of your wisdom and intelligence to the nations, who will hear of all these statutes and say, ‘This great nation is truly a wise and intelligent people.’ However, take care and be earnestly on your guard not to forget the things which your own eyes have seen, nor let them slip from your memory as long as you live, but teach them to your children and to your children's children.” (Deuteronomy 4:5-6, 9)
“Whoever obeys and teaches these commandments will be called greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:19)
The readings for this week of Lent have such powerful insight for ways of living with integrity. The Lord proclaims decrees to Israel through Jacob regarding ways to live and enter the land to be occupied and who will be called greatest in heaven. It is suggested to teach these decrees to your children and your children’s children. The Lord asks careful observance, that we not forget, and that we obey, fulfill, and teach those commandments.
To mentor is to ask for wisdom or call upon the Lord, trust that our accomplishments are for the Lord’s purposes instead of our own agendas, and then live accordingly. Sometimes I’m unsure if our children are taught what these readings describe, taught to care for that with which we’ve been blessed. Will future generations be able to say our nation is a wise and intelligent people?
I recently had a simple reminder of the ways this teaching can be witnessed in the characteristics of children of God. I was greeted on the morning of my birthday by a beautiful eight-year-old daughter who had made me breakfast in bed all by herself! It was the best bowl of Rice Krispies and milk I’ve ever tasted. I smiled and knew that some of the commandments for giving empathy and honor taught in our home will be passed on and how living with integrity can be modeled.
