Like many Christian families we attempted family devotions. In our case they turned out many times to be less than ideal.
The photo posted here I found amusing. Needless to say, it is an outdated photo of a family having formal devotions. This family devotional time looks flawless and letter perfect. And yet, so many of us have pictured this type of scenario when taking on the responsibility of family devotions.
“You shall teach them diligently to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up” (Deuteronomy 6:7).
As young parents we learned the value of family devotions. So we wanted to include them into our daily routine. Back then, however, our efforts many times appeared futile. We tried different times of the day, different devotionals, different topics, or plain scripture reading. And still there were times our children did not appear to be listening, or were indifferent.
And on top of all that there would be the little complaints; “I’m hungry,” “I’m tired,” “ I had school all day,” or “I wanted to do something else.” On some occasions an argument would break out between us. Does this sound familiar?
Needless to say, sometimes we felt like our family devotions turned into a family commotion
Subsequently, we would feel discouraged. In the aftermath, as time has passed, I have found humor in our failed attempts.
Despite the disruptions and sometimes minor disasters our time together was not wasted. One thing I realized is that children listen even when they don’t appear to be. Thus we reaped good fruits as a result of our efforts. Furthermore, I realized that following our Godly convictions is not a guarantee that things will go smoothly.
Setting aside formal devotions for awhile and trying a different approach was where our family was headed. Deuteronomy 6:7 is a popular verse for homeschoolers. As I meditated on this verse I discovered that teaching our children about God and passing on a Godly heritage is a way of life. How we model our lives to our children is sometimes more effective than formal sit down devotions.
Since I homeschooled my children for many years and was using Bible based curriculum, some sort of Bible study was required each day. We did those studies first thing in the morning (I did not mention the fact that it was a devotional time). Then we would discuss the topic or passages of scripture and begin the day with prayer.
Then as my children and I went about our daily routines I looked for opportunities to talk to 
them about God, a biblical world view, the pop culture, and whatever else came to mind. Focusing on what the Bible says about a given topic helps to build up their faith in practical ways.
Time passed and my children got older. I learned, like most, that my children had listened all those years. When they hit the teen years my children started to ask some tough questions. Every answer for the problems of the world (and those tough questions) can be found in God’s word. My goal in answering their questions was to give them a Biblical perspective.
To sum up, family devotions are essential. But one set formula does not work for every family, or for every child. Now if formal family devotions are working for you that is great, please don’t stop. The main thing we want to do is share God’s word with our children whether formally or informally.
Most of all they will learn that the scriptures set the standards as to how they should live and conduct their lives.
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