One of the great parenting examples in the Bible is Eunice, who ensured that from Timothy’s “infancy/childhood” he was taught to know “the Holy Scriptures” (2 Tim. 3:15). So, how does a parent ensure that his/her child grows up knowing the Scriptures? There are at least two methods of teaching, and both are equally valid and equally indispensable in the teaching of our children.
First, we must teach the words of the verses themselves. Memorizing. Reciting. Writing the words in their minds and in their hearts. It cannot impact their lives if it’s not in their hearts.
Second, we must live the words of the verses. It will not be enough to simply implant the words. Children must see real-life examples of parents who are modeling in their own lives (day-to-day, hour-to-hour) the words being read, taught and memorized.
Obviously, there are dozens/hundreds of verses to teach our children. Let’s start with these:
“Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life” (Prov. 4:23).
“Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, For this is man’s all” (Ecc. 12:13).
“Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matt. 6:33).
“Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38).
“It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35).
“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself” (Phil. 2:3).
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Phil. 4:13).
“Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Col. 3:2).
“Abstain from every form of evil” (1 Thess. 5:21).
“Denying ungodliness and worldly lusts…live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age” (Tit. 2:12).
“Friendship with the world is enmity with God…Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God” (James 4:4).
“Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (James 4:7-8).
Ok, so that’s twelve instead of ten, which just shows how many we really need to be teaching and living for our kids! What verses can you add to this list? Let’s get busy!