Helping Children Treasure God's Word
Bible Verse
11 I treasure your word above all else; it keeps me from sinning against you. Psalm 119:11
As parents, we have a powerful tool to share with our children. We can equip them with God’s Word to rely on when they need it most. This practice allows children always to have gospel truths at their fingertips, ready to guide them through temptation, heartache, or when a friend needs encouragement. The very Word of God spoken spontaneously from their hearts has extraordinary power, and as parents, we play a crucial role in this process.
The Bible tells us in Deuteronomy 6:4-9 that we need to keep the commandments God gives us in our hearts and teach them to our children. We should fill our homes with conversations about God's Word and intertwine our daily lives with Scripture. When we do this, we are partnering with God to treasure his Word in the hearts of our children. The seeds of Scripture planted in a child's youth will grow into armor for them later.
Ephesians reminds us that the battles we will face as children of God are not physical but spiritual; therefore, our armor must match the battle. “Let God's saving power be like a helmet, and for a sword use God's message that comes from the Spirit.” (Ephesians 6:17). Helping our children internalize Scripture helps prepare them to live as Christians. When tempted by Satan in the wilderness, Jesus relied on God's Word (Matthew 4:1-11). Each time Satan tempted Jesus, he began his response with, “The Scriptures say...”
We do not know what our children will face in this world, but we do know what they need to navigate it—God’s Word. The list below includes ways to help your child treasure God’s Word in their hearts.
Listen to the Bible. Use a read-aloud online Bible or one of several Bible apps. You can also find readings on YouTube. Set aside time to listen to the Bible. Whether you listen while following along with pages or only listen, hearing Scripture aids in memorization.
- Make Flashcards. Have your child select one verse of Scripture. Using index cards, write each word in the verse on a single card. Once complete, use the cards in various ways to learn the verse.
Turn all cards face down in the correct order. As your child says the words, they will turn the cards over. If they need to correct a card, have them start over.
Scramble the note cards and have your child put the cards in the correct order.
Practice Reciting Scripture. Use the say-and-repeat method as a memorization tool. Break the Bible verse into sections. As you say each section, have your child repeat after you.
Be an example. Commit to memorizing it during the week along with your children. Not only will you encourage them to remember Scripture, but you will also model what it looks like for them.
“Let the message about Christ completely fill your lives, while you use all your wisdom to teach and instruct each other. With thankful hearts, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God” (Colossians 3:16). This is our message and God’s commandment. Let God find us faithful as parents, obeying his Word.
Want to do a deep dive? Check out Family Fire’s article Six Steps to Inspiring Spiritual Growth in Your Family.
Natasha Menifee
Natasha Menifee is an educator, writer and most importantly a child of God. She has taught in public schools for 12 years and holds two master's degrees from Georgetown College in Learning & Behavior Disorders and Teacher Leadership. Natasha also serves as the Christian Education Director at her church. She is the proud mother of two daughters. For more information about her, visit www.natashamenifee.com.
