The eyes are said to be the most sensitive parts of our body. Eyesight is a precious gift from God! Not only did He make our eyes to see but also to perceive after sight. For example, a child may see a flame from a candle but he may have t touch it before learning that it will hurt him. Then, the next time he sees the flame, his mind will perceive that it is not something he wants to touch! With some of our children, it took more than one time!
If our eyes are most sensitive to physical light and pain, how much more are they sensitive to what enters into the heart. Proverbs 7:2 says, “Keep my commandments, and live; and my law as the apple of thine eye.” “The apple of your eye” is a phrase that means, “Something, but usually someone, who is cherished above all others.” Although we know that keeping the law does not bring salvation, it does show us our need for salvation through Christ (Galatians 3:24). How are our children and grandchildren going to know they need a Saviour if they do not know they are sinners? The law shows us that we have sinned.
In this day of pluralism and humanism, it is important that we teach our children the commandments of God. The Ten Commandments are a good start but there are hundreds more in the Old Testament alone! Jesus summed up all the commandments when He said, “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets” (Matthew 22:37–40).
Practical Tips
- Post the Ten Commandments in your home.
- Learn and teach the Ten Commandments to your children and grandchildren. There are fun songs available to help you learn them.
- Keep righteousness before their eyes. Take heed to what children watch on TV, play on video games, and read in books. Remember Psalm 101:3, “I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes.”
- Talk about God’s commandments with your children, and explain their relevance today.
Jeremiah, who wrote Lamentations, said, “Mine eye affecteth mine heart” (Lamentations 3:51a). What our children see does affect their heart. Are you being careful, little eyes?
