Objectives To Keep In Mind

When you conduct the family study, it will accomplish the greatest good if you have in mind clearly defined objectives. Consider a few possibilities.

At each study, seek to build up love for Jehovah God. While Israel was assembled on the plains of Moab, before they entered the Promised Land, Moses focused their attention on what Jesus Christ would later identify as "the greatest commandment in the Law." What was it? You must love Jehovah your God with all your heart and all your soul and and all your vital force." (Matthew 22:36, 37; Deuteronomy 6:5) Moses urged the Israelites to impress this on their own hearts and to teach it to their children. That would require repetition, drawing attention to reasons for loving Jehovah, dealing with attitudes and conduct that could hinder the expression of such love, and demonstrating love for Jehovah in their own lives. Do our children need the same sort of instruction? Yes! And they too need help to 'circumcise their heart,' that is, to remove anything that would impede their love for God. (Deuteronomy 10:12, 16; Jeremiah 4:4) Among such impediments may be a desire for things of the world and for opportunities to get immersed in its activities. (1John 2:15, 16) Love for Jehovah must be active, expressive, moving us to do the things pleasing to our heavenly Father. (1John 5:3) For your family study to have long-term benfits, every session should be conducted in a manner that strengthens this love.

Impart accurated knowledge of God's Requirements. What does that involve? It involves more than being able to read an answer out of a magazine or a book. It usually requires discussion to make sure that key words and principal ideas are clearly understood. Accurate knowlege is a vital factor in putting on the new personality, in keeping in focus the really important things, when dealing with problems in life, and, thus,in doing what truly pleases God.- Philippians 1:9-11; Colossians 1:9, 10; 3:10.

Help to make practical application of what is learned. With this objective in view, during each family study, ask: 'How should this material affect our lives? Does it require any change from what we are doing at present? Why should we want to make adjustments? (Proverbs 2:10-15; 9:10;Isaiah 48:17, 18) Giving sufficient attention to the practical application of things learned can be an important factor in the spiritual growth of family members.

Next time: Use Teaching Tools Wisely