Growing kingdom culture in our children is one of the best gifts we can give to them as parents and caregivers. “Train up your child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it”… Prov 22:6.
Teaching the children the truths of the scripture has an all-time benefit of making them wise for salvation. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training a child. It equips them to do good works and gives them answers to the questions of life, giving them reason for their hope and prepares them to withstand challenges that are bent on indoctrinating young people the secular values. 2Tim 3:15-17, 1 peter 3:15
As a parent or caregiver we have been entrusted with the primary responsibilities of teaching our children the bible. It is one important kingdom cultures to instill in our kids. Contrary to our belief and the norm in our generation; the home not the church should be the primary place of comfort for the child to grow in the wisdom of God’s word.
The value that God has placed on teaching our children the truth is addressed by Moses in Deut 6:7-9 by stressing the importance of teaching the lord’s commandment and laws and impress them our children. ‘Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, and when you lie’. Every opportunity to teach the children about the word of God is to be maximized.
Below are some ways we can grow the culture of the word in our children…
- Reading the word to the children aloud (Deuteronomy 31:11-13, 1Timothy 4:13; Colossians 4:16; 2 Chronicles 34:18. This helps them hear the word audibly as opposed to just reading through the written word. It reaffirms some of the words they might not be able to understand nor pronounce when reading on their own. It also helps children of younger ages who haven’t learned how to read yet. Children also enjoy having their parents involved in all areas of their life. However, in doing this, we shouldn’t be too rigid nor overpowering their imagination. I shouldn’t also be forced on the child but in a lovingly and inviting manner.
- Getting them their own bible and encouraging them to take responsibility of finding out the truth in it. Especially if you have teenagers and Pre-teens who have a lot of peer influence. Bring up a topic and guide them to what God says through his word.
- Guide them to developing the routine of daily bible reading. This you can do by creating a plan or if they are old enough, ask them to create a plan and help them keep a record of it.
- Get a collection of scripture songs for children to listen to. Music work great wonders on children’s minds. Explore all options of bible/scripture song. Giving the level of exposure children have towards technology, leverage on these platform to bring the word closer to them. Lots of bible apps and games exist; get them to interact with these resources instead of playing games away with their devices.1 Chronicles 15:1-24.
This also makes them memorize the word and in a fun and sustainable way.
- How about getting into conversations about God’s commandment in real life occurrences… Deut 6:7 and sometimes using parables Mathew 13, demonstration and movies.
- Writing the word. (2 Timothy 2:15) (Deuteronomy 17:18). As it is in academics or the process of learning, writing out what we read or consider important keeps it our mind. Get a note-book for your child/children and let them write out some of the verses of the scripture.
Most importantly, let us know we are examples for the children and they innocently look up to us to model the lifestyle we are preaching to them. The benefits of reading and memorizing the word of God and teaching our children same is of great benefit to a believer.
Source: Ecclezzia.com
When u train a child in d culture of d word of God, they will not depart from it.
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