Even though most Christian parents would agree that teaching the Bible to our children is one of the most important things we can do, we often fail to do it!
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There are 5 common reasons WHY we neglect teaching the Bible to our children:
1. THERE’S NOT ENOUGH TIME.
The truth is that we make time to do the things we want to do. We only have one chance to raise our kids, and if we don’t have time to obey God’s command in Deuteronomy 6 to teach His Word to our children, we’re too busy.
Sometimes I think we don’t really believe it’s all that important. Actions show how you really feel about things, and what you value.
If you tell your kids constantly how important the Bible is, but don’t show it by your actions, they won’t value it either.
When was the last time that your children saw you reading the Bible, or that you shared something God showed you from His Word?
2. IT DOESN’T SEEM TO DO ANY GOOD.
Perhaps you get discouraged and think what you’re doing isn’t helping at all. Think again!
First, God’s Word won’t return unto Him void.
Second, recognize where those thoughts are coming from. The devil knows what God’s Word will do in your family’s life, and of course, will try to stop you.
We can’t let this lie cause us to neglect teaching the Bible to our children! Keep on, remembering the power of His Word.
3. THE KIDS ARE NOT INTERESTED IN MEMORIZING VERSES, OR READING GOD’S WORD.
This probably stems from one of two things.
First, their minds are too cluttered with other things. For example, too much TV or an excessive interest in sports, video games, music, etc.
Second, perhaps your attitude is influencing them. Are YOU showing excitement?
WHY YOU NEED TO BE INTENTIONAL ABOUT TEACHING SCRIPTURE MEMORIZATION EARLY
4. WE DON’T REALLY BELIEVE IT’S ALL THAT IMPORTANT.
Actions show how you really feel about things, and what you value.
If you tell your kids constantly how important the Bible is, but don’t show it by your actions, they won’t value it either. When was the last time that your children saw you reading the Bible, or that you shared something God showed you from His Word?
HOW TO BUILD YOUR FAMILY ON THE WORD OF GOD
5. WE DON’T REALIZE THE BLESSING WE WILL RECEIVE AS WE MAKE THE BIBLE OUR TOP PRIORITY.
We have seen many blessings in our family and home, as we have tried to make God’s Word of top importance.
Let me share some of those blessings:
- My kids are excited about the Bible!
They read one or more chapters a day, memorize passages, and we review them. They often do the memory work on their own, as they’re anxious to get the new passage learned. I don’t have to drive them with a whip to do any of these things.
- The kids are more responsive to the Holy Spirit, as God’s Word keeps their hearts soft.
One night I was concerned about the attitude my daughter had shown through the day and into the evening. It was something I sensed, but wasn’t quite sure how to deal with. I prayed about it specifically as I took my shower. When I was done, she called me into her and she apologized for having a bad attitude! As she was praying, the Lord spoke to her about it and she responded.
- God’s thoughts become part of their thoughts
One night at dinner, the word refuge was mentioned. Immediately my eight year old son quoted, “The Lord God also will be a refuge for the oppressed.” My ten year old said the next phrase, and my five year old the next verse. Wow! How exciting that God’s Word was right there in their thoughts.
- Perhaps the biggest blessing in all this, is that I get excited and I learn God’s Word as I help the kids memorize & apply it, as I discipline them with Scripture, and teach with it.
As I daily work to teach the Bible to my kids, I get constant exposure to God’s thoughts. I’m not sure who God really meant to benefit the most from His command in Deuteronomy 6, but I’m sure He knew that parents needed this as much (perhaps more) as the kids!
It’s always exciting to obey God’s commands and then see how He blesses!
We mums are so privileged to share truth with our kids, and the most important thing we can do is set the example. When they see us set our work aside and attend to biblical truth every. single. day. we are a powerful visual aid.
Michele, I agree! What a good point you make — our example is key.
You know, this actually has been my priority with my daughter and I’ve noticed that all other learning just seems to fall into place when we’ve started things off with such a great foundation!
Lisa, thank you so much for sharing that encouraging truth you have learned! When we give God first place in our day, it sets the tone for the day. I also believe He belsses the time that remains when we give the first part to Him.
I also have seen that some parents feel it’s too early, so they miss the ideal foundational time. They wait until it “makes sense” or until they are older so they’ll understand. I’ve told the young parents I’ve dealt with that teaching them, praying with them should begin early so that as they look back they don’t remember it beginning.
I think that is great advice! It should such a natural thing, and even when they don’t understand all the Bible reading they hear or read, God’s Word still cleanses as it goes through their mind.