Elementary Faith

Elementary Faith

While the new year may officially begin on January 1st, there is a sizable portion of our population that uses a different calendar as their primary point of reference: the school year. Today, we are honoring and celebrating the transition as our kids move up a grade into their new classes. While this is exciting for all of our children, this is an especially exciting time for our 6th graders as they enter in the youth ministry here at Manchester Church of Christ. Over the next seven years, we are going to witness these 6th-grade students grow in all sorts of ways. We are going to see them begin to become young men and women who are trying to make sense of the world we live in. We, as a church, have a responsibility to assist them in this endeavor. We’re going to be spending our time this morning in Deuteronomy 6. In the text, God has made it clear that we are to pass our faith down for generations to come as if it’s a baton in a relay race. How do we do this? By helping our children and teenagers form a strong foundation with God. This passage has served generations upon generations tracing all the way back to the time of Moses on what it means to know God. As we welcome these new 6th graders and think about the years to come, it should be our hope and prayer that upon graduation each one of them can say they know God.

-Caleb McCaughan, Manchester Church of Christ

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the commandment in Deuteronomy 6 to love God with all one’s heart, soul, and strength impact the way we live our daily lives and make decisions? What are some practical examples of how this kind of wholehearted devotion can shape our actions and priorities?
2. Deuteronomy 6 emphasizes the importance of passing down faith to the next generation. In what ways can we apply the principles outlined in this chapter to our modern family dynamics and communities? How can we ensure that the values and beliefs we hold dear are effectively transmitted to our children and grandchildren?
3. The concept of integrating faith into everyday conversations and activities is highlighted in Deuteronomy 6. How can we strike a balance between discussing faith naturally in our day-to-day interactions without it feeling forced or contrived? What benefits can arise from these ongoing dialogues about faith within our families and communities? How might it contribute to a stronger sense of unity and purpose?