Last week we talked about how some family traditions can hold us back from God’s best for our lives when those habits stand in opposition to the Word of God. This week we want to look at the importance of passing on Biblical traditions and the mandate we have from God to do so. To clarify, we are not talking about religious traditions we have instituted that make us feel good about our righteousness, or that we do simply because it seems right. We need our focus to be on passing down both the Word of God and those times we have witnessed His faithfulness in our lives. In the Old Testament we see God’s command for us to teach our children about Him and we also see the results when this command is not followed.

In Deuteronomy chapter 11 there is an emphasis on remembrance, transference and obedience. Verses 2-3 read, “ Remember today that your children were not the ones who saw and experienced the discipline of the LORD your God: His majesty, His mighty hand, His outstretched arm; the signs He performed and the things He did in the heart of Egypt, both to Pharaoh king of Egypt and to His whole country.” God is asking the Israelites to remember all the great things He has done on their behalf for a specific purpose that we see in verses 18-19. “ 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.” If the Israelites remember, transfer to their children, and obey His commands, God promises to bless them and make them prosperous. The Israelites served God throughout Joshua’s lifetime and were blessed by God. When Joshua died a problem arose because they had not been intentional about passing down the traditions of their God as instructed in Deuteronomy. Judges 2:10-11 tells us, “After that whole generation had been gathered to their ancestors, another generation grew up who knew neither the LORD nor what he had done for Israel. Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the LORD and served the Baals.” One generation’s failure to pass on Biblical tradition caused the next generation to enter the darkest period in Israel’s history.

As mentors, we have a unique opportunity to model the Biblical truths above to our mentee couples. We also must be intentional about guiding and encouraging them to do the same with their children to ensure the next generation knows God and all that He has done in their parents’ lives. Throughout the mentoring process you will be teaching your mentees to obey God’s Word in their lives individually and as a couple. The mentee journal pages will help the mentees remember what God is doing and has done in their marriage during the mentoring journey. You will also be sharing personal experiences of God’s faithfulness in your own marriage to encourage and give hope to your mentee couple. In essence, you will be modeling Deuteronomy chapter 11 for your mentees and teaching them to do the same with their children. Remember the importance of this command from God in Deuteronomy as you walk alongside your mentee couple.