Deuteronomy 30:19-20 “19 ’I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants, 20 by loving the LORD your God, by obeying His voice, and by holding fast to Him; for this is your life and the length of your days, that you may live in the land which the LORD swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, to give them.”

We hear that phrase a lot these days in regard to the Pro-Life and Pro- Abortion debate. We can even get tags for our vehicles in some states that read “Choose Life.” I am solidly Pro-Life and believe that every life, from the moment of conception until the last breath is released, is precious in the eyes of God. But this verse isn’t talking about that. Look at what it says.

In this passage Moses is telling the people of Israel just before they enter the Promised Land what life is all about: 1) Loving the Lord God 2) Obeying His voice and 3) Holding fast to Him. Those three things give life. What great principles to teach our children.

First, he says to love the Lord. That one is easy to teach. Even the smallest child can understand love. We love a lot of stuff. But to love the Lord God means He is the only One deserving of our worship and praise. Teach them that!

Secondly, Moses says to obey His voice. Now this gets a little harder, doesn’t it? Even for us adults, that is difficult. What better way to teach our kids to obey God than to teach them to obey the authorities in their lives. I see way too many children who are not taught to obey. Parents let little Elrod pitch a fit and then give him what he wants. That is NOT teaching obedience. Teach them to obey!

Finally, Moses tells them to hold fast. Our children need to learn to hang on even when things get hard. Too many children bail at the first difficult task or situation. Teach them to stay committed to what they have begun. They need to learn how to stick with something. After all, God will stick with them through eternity. Teach them to hold on!

Again Parents, you have to model all three of these yourselves. Because our little angels learn best by watching us. Love, obey, and hold fast! That is Life!