God established a decree in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which God commanded our ancestors to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and rise up and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep God’s commandments; and that they should not be like their ancestors, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God.
What are we to teach our children about God? I think about this a lot as the mother of a 17-month old, and as a pastor married to an atheist.
The Psalmist continues on to offer these teachings in parables. What is most striking to me is God’s loving presence is so tangible: in Bible-sized miracles that save lives and lead a whole tribe of people out of slavery, and in the “tent where God dwelt among mortals.”
But God was never enough. It’s not just our ancestors who are stubborn and selfish. It is us too.
Having a faithful spirit means knowing God’s loving presence without greed, perfectionism, and supremacy. As my spouse Keith and I have talked about recently in relation to soccer coaching: you have to catch people doing good, and not focus only on what could be better.
Today, look for God, catch God doing good. Simply, commit to saying "thank you."
-- Jenny Whitcher
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