Inquisitive Minds

The Tribal Family affirms three formational rhythms for a strong foundation of discipleship in our homes: Telling the story of being God’s People, living that story, and daily worship.

Most of us only dabble in these rhythms even though the ways to practice them are as wide and as varied as His People.

Historically – in the Old Testament – God made it easy. He commanded explicit rituals for His People; things such as Sabbath, Passover, and the daily Shema. These were tribal rituals for Gods’ People – practiced in their homes, led by the parents.

We tend to think these ancient rituals were relevant in those times, but are no longer applicable for us. As a result, we tend not to focus on family spiritual rituals.

However, understanding what is happening – spiritually and socially – when a family practices spiritual rhythms together, suggests God gifted those ancient rituals for more reasons than current sociology can come close to explaining.

Among the many forces at play there is one simple and overlooked dynamic Sarah and I have encountered numerous times:

As we intentionally tell and live the story of being God's People within our family rituals, our children are wondering why.

The Bible shows us this dynamic is expected. It was part of God's plan for family discipleship:

[Regarding Passover] When your children ask you, “What does this ritual mean to you?” you are to reply, [...]
– Exodus 12:26 & 27a

[Regarding a memorial to God's faithfulness] he said to the Israelites, “In the future, when your children ask their fathers, ‘What is the meaning of these stones?’” you should tell them, [...]
– Joshua 4:6 & 7a

Your explanation of spiritual rituals – even if it feels clumsy and faltering – will be exponentially more formative coming from you, their parent-priest, than from a youth leader, from the pulpit on Sunday, or from any given church program.

By God's design, your words and your example is far more formative than all others.

But don’t wait for them to ask you!

As awkward as it may feel, intentionally set aside time this week to explain why you pray before meals, why bedtime prayers, why you read the Bible to them, or why you sing worship songs with them.

God’s Spirit will equip you. God’s Spirit will open their eyes and ears to the truth you mean to convey.

Those conversations are pure discipleship. And God will be at work through your words.