Through the lens of Man

The Shema was historically the father’s job to teach in Israel.

He recited it at meals. He explained it on the road. He bound it on his hand. He wrote it on his doorposts. He passed it down to his sons and daughters until they knew it without thinking. That was the man’s primary spiritual responsibility.

Most men I know — including me — have outsourced this. To church staff. To Christian schools. To wives. To podcasts. We are not the primary teacher of our kids’ faith anymore.

Deuteronomy 6 invites men back into the role. You don’t have to be a theologian. You just have to speak the Shema in the ordinary places of your life. At the table. On the drive. At bedtime. Teach by being.

One small thing today: in a moment with your kids — or your spouse, your siblings, your friends — speak one piece of the Shema. I love the Father. Or — He is one. Or just — let’s pray. Be the man who teaches the Shema in his own house.