Give ear, O my people, to my teaching;
incline your ears to the words of my mouth!
I will open my mouth in a parable;
I will utter dark sayings from of old,
things that we have heard and known,
that our fathers have told us.
We will not hide them from their children,
but tell to the coming generation
the glorious deeds of the Lord, and his might,
and the wonders that he has done.
He established a testimony in Jacob
and appointed a law in Israel,
which he commanded our fathers
to teach to their children,
that the next generation might know them,
the children yet unborn,
and arise and tell them to their children,
so that they should set their hope in God
and not forget the works of God,
but keep his commandments;
and that they should not be like their fathers,
a stubborn and rebellious generation,
a generation whose heart was not steadfast,
whose spirit was not faithful to God. ~ Psalm 78:1-8
The psalmist reminded the people to tell their children the stories of what the Lord had done for previous generations. The goal was for the children to honor God and keep His commandments, but the people telling the stories had not been faithful to the Lord. Children are more apt to follow examples than to listen to words. If we want future generations to love and honor the Lord, we need to show them rather than tell them.
Father God, let me always be a good example to younger Christians. If they observe me, Lord, I want them to see someone loving You, serving You, and keeping Your commandments. Empower me by the Holy Spirit to be that person. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.