“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up” (Deut. 6:6-7).
We have a mandate from God and that mandate is this: we are commanded to diligently teach His Word to our children. Our children must hear and act on God’s Word the same way that we do. But they will never do that unless they are taught.
We have a covenant with God concerning our children and our grandchildren. All parents have the natural, God-given ability to teach their children. In fact, your children will learn from you whether you want them to or not. They will say what you say and they will do what you do to the best of their ability in order to gain favor and love.
Last Sunday morning between our second and third worship services I walked across the parking lot to the Christian Education Building to visit the grade school children. I tease them and they hug me. It’s always a time of blessing for me.
However, this Sunday as the head usher and I were leaving the building, one of the second graders turned and said, “Pastor Larry, my mom and dad think you need to get a new picture of you on that big sign on the highway. They think the picture makes you look like you’re bald.” I almost doubled over laughing. Trust me. Your children repeat what you say!
Ephesians 5:1 says that we are to imitate God as children imitate their parents. It is a biblical principle. Your children will imitate you. If you are a person of character and not double minded, your children will try to be like you.
Likewise, if you smile and hug people in the church and then talk badly about them when you get into your car on your way home, your children will pick up on the double standard and they will feel that words carry no power. We must teach them the truth and the best way is to live what we teach.
Excerpt permission granted by Larry Ollison Ministries
Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.