Training My Child in the Bible William Lyon Phelps, the noted educator, once declared that a knowledge of the Bible without a college education is worth more than a college education without a knowledge of the Bible. With this statement we heartily agree. It is hard to exaggerate the great value of a working knowledge of the Bible. Fortunate indeed is the child whose parents realize the responsibility, the necessity, and the wonderful opportunity of teaching their child the Bible. Example Alone is Not Enough We would not in the least minimize the importance of setting the right example before the child by living daily the principles of truth taught in the Scriptures. But this is NOT enough. To build a faith in the child that is strong and to equip him to meet the temptations he shall surely face in life, we must teach him by word and deed the Bible. It is significant that Jesus met temptation with the Word of God (Matthew 4). Each temptation was met with “It is written.” It is still true in the 21st century that there is a Scripture that will help us successfully overcome every temptation. James says, “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” The Word of God is our offensive weapon against sin and Satan (Ephesians 6:17). Home Devotionals One of the beset ways to train the child in the home is through the medium of a daily devotional. There is something sweet and sublime about a father, mother, and children sitting down together in the quiet of their home, reading the Bible and having prayer. Each father and mother should figure out what time of the day is the most logical for the family to have a devotional. For many families the best time may be in the evening just before retiring. If the father works in the evening it may be that immediately following breakfast or lunch is the logical time. It takes only about five minutes after the family has finished the meal to read a brief selection from the Bible, make a few comments, select a choice verse for the entire family to repeat several times together, and close by having one member of the family begin the prayer and then give each member an opportunity to say at least a sentence or two in the prayer. This may be done while the family is still seated around the table. Such devotionals build spiritual strength and draw the family closer to each other and to God. The family that prays together stays together. In the years ahead these minutes will constitute precious memories that will fortify the soul! Bible Stories and Memorization Children enjoy the thrilling stories of the Holy Book, and they can be taught to memorize some of the great passages so easily. Recently on the television program “Know Your Bible” conducted by the writer in Nashville, Tennessee, a panel of lawyers was asked Bible questions. One prominent attorney was especially well versed in the Old Testament. Here was the explanation he gave for it: “I came from a large family. In the evenings, my father read Bible stories to us. We had to listen to the story and then write it. I have never forgotten what I learned as a child.” Remember your child will be a child only once. Fleeting years of childhood will soon be gone forever and with them will go the opportunity of training your child in the Bible. Begin today a serious systematic effort! You will be giving him something that cannot be taken from him when you are gone, something that will fortify his soul against the attacks of sin and Satan. Begin today! Ira North(deceased)
Posted on: Mon, 08 Jul 2013 09:16:00 +0000
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