It is easy to feel at a loss when it comes to teaching the Word of God to a child. The task feels weighty and overwhelming. What if we say the wrong words? What if we miscommunicate what God meant? We long to be like the worker described in 2 Timothy 2:15, “who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the Word of truth.”

In James 1:21 we read, “in humility receive the Word implanted, which is able to save your souls.” Isn’t this what we desire for our children — for them to receive truth so it can transform their lives and eternities?

The word “implanted” used in James 1:21 paints a picture of cultivation. In this verse, James was referring to the word which had been sown into them by instruction. What a beautiful ambition to embrace as a parent as well — to teach our children truth in such a way for it to grow, mature, and come to fruition in their hearts. Here are four ways we can approach God’s Word alongside our children …

 

God’s Word is a Map

 

Psalm 119:105 says, “Your Word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Not only is this a comfort to us as we seek God’s direction in teaching our children, but this a promise to our kids as well. As a child experiences the growing pains of life and begins facing new and uncertain challenges, he or she can depend on the direction God has given us.

 

God’s Word is a Blueprint

 

Have you ever seen or held a blueprint for a building? It’s fascinating to grasp that picture in our minds as we read Jeremiah 29:11, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” The Bible acts as a detailed blueprint for our lives. It’s not a list of rules, but rather a robust outline of how God has designed life to work best. Every plan of His within the Scriptures is for our good and His glory. He is the master architect, and He has equipped us with the blueprint for abundant living.

 

God’s Word is Living and Active

 

The Scriptures are not simply “said and done” ancient writings. Rather, they are “said and doing.” When we open God’s Word with our children, bringing them to verses which have transformed our own lives, they glimpse it as living and active. When they can hear our stories of how the Bible has directly impacted our decisions, direction, and faith, they begin to realize its power to guide, comfort, and empower them as well.

 

God’s Word is Hidden in Our Hearts

 

Becoming familiar with, memorizing, and praying Scripture are all ways to take the truth of God from the pages of the Bible and sow it into our hearts. As a child begins to realize the power of God’s Word as a map, a blueprint, and living and active, the truths and promises of Scripture take seed in his or her spirit. We cannot begin to imagine how God will use this doctrine in a child’s life down the road. However, as our children hide verses within their hearts, we can be certain of this: the Word implanted in their souls will produce great fruit.

 

As we approach God’s Word alongside our children, we can hold firmly to the promise found in Isaiah 55:10-11:

 

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven,

And do not return there without watering the earth

And making it bear and sprout,

And furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater;

So will My Word be which goes forth from My mouth;

It will not return to Me empty,

Without accomplishing what I desire,

And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it.”

 

Help your child hide Scripture in his or her heart through the “Hidden In My Heart” CD series. Volumes I, II, and III are inspired by Scripture and composed to help listeners of all ages memorize and live in light of God’s promises.