Day 5: Repetition Works

Read Deuteronomy 6:4-9

Your mom had a method that worked. She would tell you what she wanted ... over and over again. Day after day. Week after week. Year after year. Your mother left you with no doubt about what she wanted for you by sheer repetition. Maybe that’s why the Romans said “repetitio est mater studiorum”—“repetition is the mother of learning.” You know this is true by what you do.

You meet new people, you need to repeat their names. You learn a phone number by using it over and over again. You leave your family members no doubt what you want by telling them repeatedly (a habit picked up from mom?). God’s people have made repetition a faith practice from the outset.

Today’s reading describes how one generation repeated the core of their faith to the next generation. They didn’t skip a beat. Parent tells child. Repeat. And this repetition of content happened every day (when you lie down and rise) and everywhere (when walking along the way). Like a string tied around their finger, they had reminders all around (on doorposts and gates) to repeat the faith to each other. You may find these materials somewhat repetitious.

As you spend each day reading this content and discussing with your partner/group, you will find repeated themes. Repetition can become monotonous, unless you are striving to “get it.” If you recognize some repetition, know that it is intended as layering to reinforce what is most valuable (knowledge of our God and his Word). Get into the habit of repeating what you learn to others. You were not meant to do life or faith alone (I know: you read this twice already!).