6“These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. 7Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”
In Deuteronomy, parents are instructed to diligently teach their children at every opportunity. Indeed, parents have a vital role in teaching their children about God’s Word. This is a responsibility that no one else can replace, and it is essential to start at home.
While it is easy to recognize the importance of this task, many parents find it challenging. They are often busy juggling work, family, and other commitments. This is especially true for working parents, who may also have to spend time coaching their children’s homework and assignments from school, and arranging for enrichment classes. As a result, they may feel like they have little time left for scripture reading with their children, not to mention having a family devotion.
However, it is important to remember that God’s Word is the best compass for children as they grow and learn about the world. It can help them to form a mental picture of God and how to live their lives according to God’s truth. Even when their lives get challenging, confusing, or overwhelming, the message of God’s divine love is a source of comfort and strength.
Parents can reflect on how they can teach their children about God’s Word despite the challenges in doing so. First, be a Christ-following parent who is grounded in God’s Word. When you know God’s Word and live your life according to its teachings, your life becomes a model for them to follow.
Next, read the Bible together as a family. Start with short passages and discuss what you have read. For older children, encourage them to read the Bible on their own and then ask them about what they have learned.
Finally, there are different ways to teach your children about God’s Word. You can use children bible, bible story book and bible games. Another way is singing Christian Hymns, singing Children Christian songs together with your children can be another effective way of helping them to know about the scriptural truth embedded in those songs. Children may want to know more about what they are singing. This could open up meaningful conversations with them about the love and work of God.
In our attempts at teaching children about God’s Word, we should not stop or get discouraged if your children don’t follow everything right away. Just keep teaching them and praying for them. It takes time and consistent effort. May God grant us His grace and wisdom as we help to build their faith in Him.