Deuteronomy 6:4-9: Living Out the Shema in Modern Family Life

"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates." - Deuteronomy 6:4-9

The Heart of Our Family Mission

This passage - known as the Shema - is the foundation of our family's faith journey. It's where our motto comes from: Know God. Love God. Serve God.

But how do we actually live this out in 2025 with busy schedules, screen time, and the million other demands on our attention?

When You Sit at Home

What it means: Faith conversations during everyday home life

How we do it:

• Meal times: Each person shares one way they saw God at work today
• Kitchen conversations: While cooking, we talk about how God provides
• Living room learning: Bible storybooks are as accessible as toys
• Spontaneous moments: When questions arise, we point to Scripture

Example: Last week, our daughter asked why we have to share. Instead of just saying "because I said so," we talked about how God shares His love with us, and we get to share with others!

When You Walk Along the Road

What it means: Faith conversations during daily activities and errands

How we do it:

• Car rides: Listen to Christian music and worship songs
• Nature walks: Discuss God's creation and creativity
• Running errands: Talk about being kind witnesses to others
• Neighborhood walks: Pray for our neighbors and community

Example: During a walk to the park, we noticed flowers blooming. This led to a conversation about how God makes things grow - including our faith!

When You Lie Down

What it means: Faith conversations at bedtime

How we do it:

• Bedtime routine: Bible story, prayer time, and blessing
• Highs and lows: Share the best and hardest parts of the day
• Prayer requests: Each child prays for siblings and parents
• Scripture recitation: Practice our monthly memory verse

Example: Our bedtime prayer routine has become the kids' favorite part of the day. They actually remind us if we start to skip it!

When You Get Up

What it means: Starting the day focused on God

How we do it:

• Morning declarations: "This is the day the Lord has made!"
• Prayer before school: Quick prayer for the day ahead
• Breakfast devotions: Short Bible verse or story
• Encouraging notes: Scripture cards in lunchboxes

Example: We started leaving encouraging Bible verses in the kids' lunch boxes. Their teachers have told us other kids are asking for verses too!

Symbols and Reminders

The passage talks about binding God's word on hands, foreheads, doorframes, and gates. We've adapted this:

• Doorframes: Scripture plaques at every bedroom entrance
• Refrigerator: Current memory verse with magnets
• Bathroom mirrors: Sticky notes with encouraging verses
• Kids' rooms: Scripture art they've created
• Front door: Our family motto displayed

The Beautiful Result

This intentional approach has transformed our family culture. Faith isn't a Sunday-only thing or a religious obligation - it's woven into the fabric of our daily life.

Our children are learning to:

• Know God - Understanding His character and promises
• Love God - Developing genuine affection and relationship
• Serve God - Living out His commands in practical ways

It's Not About Perfection

Some days we forget. Some days we're too tired. Some days the kids complain about devotions. And that's okay! God's grace covers our imperfect efforts.

The goal isn't to be a "perfect Christian family" - it's to be a family that genuinely seeks God together, imperfectly but intentionally.

Your Turn

What would it look like to weave faith into your family's daily rhythm? Start small:

• Add one faith conversation to your daily routine
• Put up one scripture reminder in your home
• Pray together once a day

The Shema reminds us that faith is meant to be lived out loud, all day long, in every ordinary moment.

How do you incorporate Deuteronomy 6 into your family life? We'd love to hear your ideas!