Ryan and I have a fresh commitment to put scripture in our children. It’s one of those things that we deeply value but doesn’t “just happen”. You have to really be intentional. Here’s our why …
Scripture helps:
- Teach us the character of God
- Learn the values of the Family of God
- Build a worldview and theology
- Strengthens our spirit man
Reading is wonderful but memorizing is important because it helps our head and heart worship God at the same time. Also, who knows, there may be a day when Bibles get burned and the only scripture we’ll have is that which is inscribed on our hearts.
Here are 3 simple ways to add memorizing scripture in your family life.
Mealtimes. When I’m cutting fruit or pouring milk I simply go over the memory verse we are working on a few times. I’ll keep it written on the fridge or art board as a visual cue. It‘s simple a part of our routine now. Hopefully it’ll grow into deep discussions of scripture around meals as they grow older.
Playtime. With blocks, stuffed animals, cars, or art supplies, you can turn the Word of God into Something fun. Oliver‘s current favorite is our outside swing. We turn our scripture into a song and swing and sing. I think it’s good to bring The Bible into their world, not just keep it in a Sunday building.
Community. This is such a great tool. The people around you! Grandparents, friends at your play date, or the usher at the front of the church door. This may sound like this…“Mrs. Myrtle! Did you know Oliver has been learning a scripture?.“ (The adult will ooze with excitement.) Then have the child recite it right then and there. I’ve never had an adult not give smiles and hugs. It’s a great positive reinforcement of how scripture blesses people. It also is a great way to practice being bold with our faith.
This video below was not for the blog. Clearly the outfit and messy house will be telling of this. But I had the camera close and caught this moment. We’ve been working on Colossians 1:27 :) )
There's no wrong scripture to memorize. We have a great children’s ministry who gives us monthly verses, so that helps aim our focus, as well as specific things we are growing on as a family (ahemm... Eph 6:1-3 ;)).
Three that I think are great to work on to make sure every child (and adult) knows are the following:
1. The Great Connection : John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.
2. The Great Commandment : Mark 12:30-31
Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.
3. The Great Commission : Matthew 28: 19-20
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
***These may be lengthy for toddlers, but they can definitely start young and continue working as they grow. Good toddler ones could be Col 1:27 (as you see in Oliver's video); PS 56:3, Ps 150:6, or PS 119:105.
Also, there are so many amazing resources out there! YouTube channels, songs, programs, and books to help you on this process.
You are not alone, but it is your responsibility as the parent to instruct your child in the ways of God. Holy Spirit will help you.
If kids are memorizing song lyrics, sports stats, and multiplication charts, they can memorize the Word :)
I believe, this is important,
Abby ***Don't forget... The Cirkles are cheering you on!
PS - A scripture journal is a fun activity to keep progress recorded! I reference that in this Blog Here.