Empty Words

When Moses had finished reciting all these words to the people of Israel, he added: “Take to heart all the words of warning I have given you today. Pass them on as a command to your children so they will obey every word of these instructions. These instructions are not empty words —they are your life! By obeying them you will enjoy a long life in the land you will occupy when you cross the Jordan River.” Deuteronomy 32:45-47

MOSES HAD COME to the end of his before-I-say-good-bye message to the Israelites as they prepared to take possession of the Promised Land. He wanted God’s people to take his words to heart. He was also concerned that the parents pass along God’s promises of blessing and warnings of curses to their children. They couldn’t expect that their children would absorb these truths simply by living in their homes. These parents needed to be purposeful in passing them on. Of all of the words spoken between family members each day, it was these words —God’s promises and warnings —that simply had to be uttered. These words were not about empty, fleeting things. These words had the power to impart life.

It makes us wonder what a recording device in our homes might reveal. Just think of all the words traded between parents and siblings, all of the words that penetrate the environment of our homes from the airwaves and Internet, all of the words muttered under our breath —words of instruction, warning, criticism, encouragement, cynicism, and even hope. So many words.

But many of them don’t give life. So we need to hear Moses’ instruction to parents to pass on God’s Word —with its promises to bless and its warnings of curses —to our children. Our aim should be that they will not simply hear but will obey. Our children need so much more than to be taught the Bible at church. They need to hear us, as parents, discussing Scripture. They need to hear how the Word of God intersects with our thinking. They need to hear how God’s Word informs the way we spend our money and our vacation time, how we deal with a difficult situation at work and a difficult relationship in the extended family. These are words that bring genuine life to our children over the long haul.

Lord, only you can take my many words and make them life-giving. As I seek to infuse my words with your true, unavoidable, unimpeachable words today, may they bring life to ________.