Raising Christian Kids: The Importance of Reading God’s Word
As moms determined to raise Christian Kids, it is vital that we understand the importance of reading and studying the Bible. The earlier we teach our kids to love God’s Word, we set the up to be able to endure and be victorious over what this life may throw at them.
In these days, our children are facing things like we have never seen before. We know that we are not fighting against flesh and blood, but against spiritual darkness. The only way our children will be able to stand is with the Sword of the Spirit, which is the God’s Holy Word.
Let’s dive deeper into why God’s Word is so important and how how we can teach our children to read Bible and fall in love with God’s Word.
Importance of Reading God’s Word
The National Association of Evangelicals polled members to learn at what age they decided to follow Jesus. 63 % made this decision between the ages of 4-14. Learning God’s Word, by reading the Bible impacts the decision greatly.
Barna research reported that 6/10 adults who read the Bible said, “it transformed their life.”
61% of these “bible users” (“individuals who read, listen to or prays with the Bible on their own at least 3-4 times per year outside of church or a church event) realize their need for God. 50% of these said, “reading the Bible increases their desire to know God.”
It is no secret that reading the Word of God is the only way to to renew our minds and transform our hearts. Paul writes in Romans 12:2 to, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Ways to teach Kids to Read God’s Word
In the early years, we should read the Bible to our children. There are so many different options to choose from so that your child will be able to understand the Bible stories on their level. I have also found that reading from the children’s Bible as well as adult version is important.
By reading from the two, children grasp the meanings of the bible stories as well as start to memorize verses. As children memorize verses they are able start hiding God’s Word in their hearts.
We chose the Beginner’s Bible for our little ones.
I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11)
Secondly, having family devotional time is a great way to read the Bible together as well as have a discussion. This helps children understand that adults need God’s Word as much as kids. Devotionals can bring light and understanding to verses that maybe more difficult to understand.
Having family devotion time is a great way for children to ask questions that they may not when reading on their own.
Family devotionals also create bonding time for the entire family.
Another way to teach our children to read the Bible is to help them memorize verses. Scripture memorization is a great way to challenge them as well as learn the Bible and not just read it.
We start off with shorter, simpler verses and as our children have grown we provide longer scriptures. Sometimes we have challenges and other times we spend a day, week or even a few weeks until the verse is learned and they understand what God is speaking through that verse.
We have created notebooks for our children to place learned verses in. We also provide a prayer or inspirational message on that verse. This will remind them of what they were going through when that verse was learned.
We love seeing them grab their binder to go back to verses and lessons learned from the past.
A fourth way to help children understand God’s Word is by Bible Story Shows or movies. We understand the importance of screen time and how careful we have to be with what we allow our children to watch via I pad, tablets or television.
We have found that Super Book is an amazing show to help bring Bible Stories to life. The show is based on characters who young teenagers that faced with a situation and then they travel to bible times to see how a similar situation was handled.
Finally, writing helps bring learning and memorization. As your child is learning scripture have them to write them down. If your child is old enough you can also have them journal. Journaling promotes a reduction of stress and anxiety, strengthens memory and helps track growth and progress.
Conclusion
In conclusion, teaching our children to read the Bible and love God’s Word is something we as moms wanting to raise kids for God’s Kingdom, should do at early ages. Children learning God’s Word we only reinforce the Christian values we want to instill in them at early ages as well.
If you haven’t started reading the Bible with your kids, it is not too late. Today is the day you can start! Please do not allow any guilt or condemnation set in, because that is not from God.
I know there are so many ways to get our children into the Word! If you have any tips or suggestions, please leave them below. We would love to hear from you!
