“So, commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to you hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Teach them to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates, so that as long as the sky remains above the earth, you and your children may flourish in the land the LORD swore to give your ancestors.” Deuteronomy 11:18-21 (NLT)

I will admit that I have not tied Scripture around my head, nor have I written Scripture on the doorframes of my home. However, my home is scattered with scriptural artwork. From paintings on my walls, signs, jewelry, crosses, and religious figurines the Word of God is very present in my home. I have committed myself to the memorization of Scripture to fortify my life and benefit the lives of others.

Including Bible in the everyday, whether that is through math, science, or literature, lays an amazing foundation for seeing how God works and moves around and through everything. As a pastor who works with students regularly, intentional independent Bible study (set apart from youth group lessons) is a vital addition to students’ spiritual formation.

It is an easy thing to identify the goodness and the nature of God in literature: when a character in a story takes on a redemptive role like Christ or when characters show each other grace and mercy. If we dip into history, we see that religion has shaped and reformed our narrative. Noticing the intricacies and patterns found in creation (like the Fibonacci Sequence in science and math) speaks of the Creator and created order.

Being able to witness and notice God’s role throughout creation is a skill that needs to be sharpened just like any other. However, in a world where we are desperate to hear God’s voice, we have to be able to recognize God’s voice. The only way to do so is to know God’s Word.

Utilizing whole family Bible studies such as Investigating God’s Word or the 52 Weekly Devotions as a starting point to Bible exploration is helpful for your child and for your whole family. Be intentional and appropriate in your study selection for your child. Select a coloring or activity books for your non-readers; find a correct age-ranged Bible for your elementary and preteen kids; perhaps choose an independent Bible study for your high schooler.

As people of God, we have been charged with a command to teach and pass along His Word to our children and the next generation. Whatever way this takes shape for you and your family, the focus is that you are being faithful and obedient to God’s command, walking with your child as they develop in their faith. ~ Rebecca