Psalm 119:105 tells us that “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” This verse emphasizes the guidance and direction that the Bible provides. God's Word is absolute Truth, a source of guidance and clarity in navigating life's paths. One of the greatest responsibilities you have as a parent is to help your kids love God’s Word and build their life on the solid foundation of His Truth.
Use some of these tips and suggestions to help your kids discover the life changing truths of the Bible.
Set the Example – You need to be able to model to your kids what it looks like to prioritize the Bible in your own life. Allow them to see and hear you read your Bible on a regular basis. Openly share what God is teaching you. There is no better way to pass down this spiritual habit than to lead by example.
Choose an Appropriate Bible – Depending on the age of your kids, make sure that you help them pick out a Bible that is easy to read and understand. Here are a few that we recommend:
o Ages 4-8: Bible Storybook from the Bible App
o Ages 8-12: Go Bible NLT
o Teens: Jesus Centered Bible NLT and the Teen Study Bible ESV
Use as a Guide – Help your kids see how the Bible can be used as an everyday guide for life. Show them how to search for God’s wisdom especially when your kids are struggling with an issue or looking for answers on a certain topic.
You Don’t Have to Be a Biblical Scholar – It’s okay to not know the answer to something. This gives you an incredible opportunity to search for the answer with your child.
Study the Bible – Teach your kids how to study the Bible by using tools such as the REAP method.
o Read a passage of scripture together.
o Evaluate the passage for greater understanding. (What is happening in the passage? What words, ideas, or phrases seem important.)
o Apply the passage to their life. (What Truths do they need to believe? What sins do they need to repent of or avoid? What can they do today to apply the passage to their lives?)
o Pray according to what you've read. (Ask God to change hearts and actions.)
Here are some other fun ways to help create the spiritual habit of Bible reading and scripture memorization:
Depending on their age, you can creatively come up with ways to engage your kids with the Bible. You can act out the story, use sound effects, create different crafts, etc.
If you don’t know where to start, you can follow along with what your kids are learning about in RKidz on Sunday mornings and read through those stories to continue the discussion at home.
Help them memorize the RKidz memory verse by having them say the verse to you while teaching you the motions.
Write verses on index cards or sticky notes and put them in their lunch boxes or backpacks.
With a Dry Erase marker, write verses on the bathroom mirror or other places where they will see it.