Fostering a Love of God's Word
Spring got really crazy in our household, so it’s been awhile since I’ve written! I’ve got a few more articles planned in the Attributes of God mini-series, but today’s topic has been on my mind lately so I’m taking a brief pause.
This summer, one of the goals I have for my kids is to help them establish regular independent Bible reading time. I’ve encountered two main challenges as I have begun this endeavor: my kids’ enthusiasm (or lack thereof) and the building of a new habit.
Honestly, the habit-building part might be the hardest for me/them. Our kids are on break from school, and the main thing they look forward to is “sleeping in and doing nothing.” So you can imagine the groans when I presented a list of family contributions they need to help with, instruments they still have to practice, and “brain work” they still get to do. And then on top of it, Mom wants them to read the Bible and talk about it?!
Okay, I guess the enthusiasm part is a bit difficult too.
But here’s the thing: Building any new habit is usually hard. It takes time and determination and systems to help it stick. Likewise, I don’t always *feel* like reading my Bible either. But as I have committed to that habit, I have seen more of God’s goodness and have grown a hunger for His word. I trust that God can work in my kids’ hearts to grow their love for scripture just as he can mine. But the growth usually starts with putting in the time, even when you don’t want to. We cannot learn to love something we don’t spend any time with.
Let’s talk through some ways we can work with these two obstacles as we guide our kids toward the beautiful habit of time in God’s word.
Building Habits
One of the most helpful strategies I’ve come across recently is “habit stacking.” The basic idea is to attach a new habit to an existing habit, which triggers you to remember the new habit.
My kids are ages 5-11, so especially for the older ones, they are capable of working to build independent habits. But when they were little, it was still hard for me to remember the things I wanted to implement with them. Habit stacking can be helpful whether you’re a parent of a 2-yr-old building Bible reading into your pre-nap routine, or a parent of a teenager reminding them to read their Bible while they eat breakfast.
And that’s exactly the habit stack I’m currently attempting. My mantra has been “It’s time to do your Breakfast and Bible!” So far, it’s proven to be a good time of day for our family, but it’s still not a habit for the kids. I’m reminding them every day. But I’m also praying that over time, with consistency and practice, it will eventually become a habit for them.
Another helpful tip for building a new habit is to prepare for the task to make it as frictionless as possible. For example, in the evening, I try to lay out my kids’ Bibles on the table where they eat. And I’m also trying to hide the things that distract. For my kids, that’s books. It sounds bizarre, but I’m literally trying to hide all the books away from our main dining/living room area so I don’t lose my children to Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Harry Potter before I’ve even said good morning. Greg and Harry can come later, but for building a habit, they are distractions that will make it harder for my kids to remember any of their morning tasks.
Building Enthusiasm
First, a couple things to note. My older three children have all made professions of faith in Jesus Christ. So for them, I am now a sister in Christ discipling them in what it looks like to submit to and follow Jesus. Because they have professed faith, I am holding them accountable to building their relationship with the Lord through time in scripture. That is the primary way we know God’s heart, and how we learn to faithfully follow Him. I want my children to know scripture for themselves so they can know the source of true joy, recognize truth and falsehood in this world, and encounter God as He speaks to them through scripture.
Lead by example
Our kids need to see us prioritizing time in the Bible, engaging with God’s word, and enjoying our time with God. It may not automatically create excitement in them, but I can tell you for sure that no matter the age, kids don’t respond well when they’re being asked to do something that the grown-ups themselves aren’t willing to do.
A pastor once told me he intentionally planned his Bible study time when his kids would be coming downstairs in the morning. He wanted them to see him engaging in the Word, to observe it as a normal, regular, and priority time in His day. And, if he asked them to spend time reading their Bibles, they would know He was doing it too.
Give them choice
I’ve observed that enthusiasm usually comes alongside ownership. In my experience, giving children some choice is one of the best ways to get buy-in. In choosing, they become an active participant (and feel like they have a bit of power), so they naturally have more ownership over whatever it is you’re asking of them.
My kids know that I expect them to have their “Bible time,” but what they read and how they engage is up to them. My daughter told me she wants to read the Bible chronologically, “All the way through!” Sometimes I have her draw in response to what she’s read, and more often I just chat with her about what she thought about her reading. My son wants to read the book of Luke. I give him simple questions to answer afterward: What did this say about God? What does this say about me? How should I respond?
You could also invite your kids to help you choose when they do their Bible time and be part of creating the new habit. Or maybe they get to create a cozy reading nook for their Bible time so it feels special and helps them look forward to it. Each kiddo is so different, there are a lot of ways you could implement choice to help each individual child feel a sense of ownership.
Give them the “Why”
Growing up, I saw the Bible as a checkmark on the list of “things a good Christian should do.” It took a long time for me to see the Word as a vital part of my walk with Christ. It is so easy to get second-hand Bible knowledge from pastors and podcasts that I think a lot of people get stuck like I was, coasting without really reading or studying the Bible for themselves.
As Christian parents, we have the opportunity to give our children the gift of a right perspective of the Bible. It is written for all of us, not just scholars! It is the source of truth about who God is and how to follow Him! It helps us live our lives to glorify God and find true joy and peace!
16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
- 2 Timothy 13:16-17
Pray for them
Ultimately, the children in our care will grow into young adults who will have to decide for themselves that studying God’s word is a priority for them. Only the Holy Spirit can create this kind of heart in a person. Let’s pray for God to work in our children's hearts as we partner with Him in teaching our children to read and study His word.
Does your family have a Bible reading routine that has worked well for you? Send me an email to share any recommendations or encouragements from your experience!