1 . DEVELOP THE HABIT OF READING THE BIBLE Spending time daily in God ’ s Word should be your highest priority . Deuteronomy 6:6-7 states , “ These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts . Impress them on your children .” God ’ s progression in this passage is important . God ’ s Word is to be on your heart , and then it can be taught to children .
Empty vessels have nothing to give . You cannot pass on to children what you do not have . You will not pass on a passion for Scripture if you do not treasure it yourself . You cannot train children to develop skills to study God ’ s Word if you have not cultivated it in your own life . If you are in ministry at a church or Christian school , ensure that doing God ’ s work does not inhibit your time in God ’ s Word .
2 . PRACTICE FAMILY WORSHIP Family worship consists of reading Scripture , praying , and praising God ( often through music ), which introduces children to the truths of Scripture and prepares them for Christian life . God has given the father the role of spiritual leader , but both parents are to share in the biblical instruction of children ( Eph . 6:4 ; Prov . 1:8 ).
Consider a few practical thoughts :
Read the Bible , not just someone ’ s thoughts about the Bible . Devotionals are helpful , but the primary source should be the Bible . My wife and I often read Psalms and Proverbs to our children , strategically choosing passages based on what we are teaching them . Proverbs is the one book of the Bible written to young people , and it should receive heavy emphasis in your home or classroom .
Read the entire Bible to children . The pattern of Scripture is to teach children its deep truths . In the Colossian or Ephesian church , children were present to be told to obey their parents and were not excused when difficult topics were covered . Therefore , they were taught everything contained in these two books .
Read briefly . Remember , they are children . The younger a child is , the shorter their attention span will be . Don ’ t expect your child to study the Bible like an adult . Try to keep your family reading concise and to the point but meaningful . Ten minutes is a reasonable amount of time to begin . A great resource is The Long Story Short by Marty Machowski .
Include children in reading and discussion . Explain the Bible passage clearly and biblically , engage children in the process , and help them apply God ’ s truth to life .
If family worship is not a normal habit in your home , do not be discouraged by the child who complains , does not answer questions , or tries to derail the time . Once the child learns that you are serious about reading the Bible regularly , they will get into the routine of listening and responding .
“ Young people are unlikely to remain faithful to a faith they do not understand and cannot defend .”
3 . TEACH CHILDREN THE CORE DOCTRINES OF CHRISTIANITY
Young people are unlikely to remain faithful to a faith they do not understand and cannot defend . Parents , youth leaders , and Christian educators should teach children of all ages the core doctrines of the Christian faith with zeal and consistency . In 2 Timothy 3:15 , we read of Timothy , “ From childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings , which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus .” Psalm 71:17 says , “ Since my youth , O God , you have taught me , and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds .”
Following the pattern of Scripture , children of all ages are to be taught the core truths of the Bible so that they will be firmly rooted in Christ and established in their faith ( Col . 2:7 ). The Bible clearly states what will happen to children when they are not well grounded in God ’ s Word :
1 . Taken captive by man ’ s ideas and deceived by human traditions ( Col . 2:8 ).
2 . Become rebellious and live a godless , unfaithful life ( Ps . 78:8 ).
3 . Do not know God or His great works ( Judg . 2:10 ).
RENEWANATION . ORG 11