Conclusion of WHAT TO COMMUNICATE

A weekly family Bible study is an outstanding help in communicating spiritual values to young people.  (Psalm 119:33, 34; Proverbs 4:20-23)   Having such a study regularly is vital.  (Psalm 1:1-3) Parents and their children should realize that other things must be scheduled around the family study, not vice versa.  Further, the right attitude is essential if the family study is to be effective.  One father said:  "The secret is for the conductor to foster a relaxed yet respectful atmosphere during the family study-informal but not silly. The correct balance may not always be easy to attain, and youngsters will frequently need attitude adjustment.  If things do not go well a time or two, persevere and look ahead to the next time.  This same father said that in his prayer before each study, he specifically requested help from Jehovah for the right viewpoint on the part of all involved. -Psalm 119:66.

Conducting the family study is the responsibility of believing parents.  True, some parents may not be gifted teachers, and it may be difficult for them to find ways to make the family study interesting. Nevertheless, if you love your teenagers "in deed and truth," you will desire to help them in a humble and honest way to advance spiritually.  (1 John 3:18)  They may complain from time to time, but likely they will sense your deep interest in their welfare. 

The family study is not the only occasion to communicate matters that are spiritually important.  Do you remember Jehovah's command to parents?  He said: "You must apply these words of mine to your heart and your soul  and bind them as a sign upon your hand, and they must serve as a frontlet band between your eyes.  You must also teach them to your sons, so as to speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up." (Deuteronomy 11:18, 19; see also Deuteronomy 6:6, 7)  This does not mean that parents must constantly preach to their children.  But a loving family head should always be on the lookout for opportunities to build up the spiritual outlook of the family. 

Next time: DISCIPLINE AND RESPECT

From the book: THE SECRET OF FAMILY HAPPINESS, 1996