- Since God knows everything, it is important to know what God says.
- Knowing what God says helps us to make the wise choice.
- When I make the wise choice, it helps others do what God says.
- Knowing what God says helps me know how to get closer to God.
We talked quite a bit about how we can get to know God. The kids really knew all the best ways to get to know God: read the Bible, spend time talking to God in prayer, come to church, sing priases to Him, etc..... However, many kids do not have a regular habit of doing many of these things.
As parents, we can help them with that in several ways. First of all, we can model the behavior: make time for worshipping God, talking to Him in prayer, and spending time in Scripture on a daily basis so that we are growing on our knowledge of God. Secondly, pray with and for your kids. Ask them who or what they want you to pray about for them, and then let them hear you talking to God on their behalf! You can also find an age appropriate Bible or devotional book for your child, and spend time reading it to them or with them daily. A great time for this is right before bed or at the dinner table. You know, even "big kids" love to be read to. You'd be surprised how eager your child might be to read the Bible if it also means getting a chance to spend some quality time one-on-one with mom or dad. You can use the God Time cards that are sent home each week with your kids as a starting point for teaching your kids to spend time getting to know God. Or use the fridge dorr cards that also come home with your kids to go over the Bible story and the key point that was taught in children's ministry on Sunday.
Another seemingly small thing you can do that yeilds incredible results is to spend time each month learning the memory verse together as a family. Don't just make it something your child does, but commit as a family that by the end of the month everyone will know the verse. Say it as a family before dinner, say it again when you are tucking your child into bed, challenge your kids to try it while driving in the car, post it on index cards on bathroom mirrors- whatever technique you find that works for your family. And, while you are at it, try to help your child apply that scripture throughout the month! Helping our kids hide God's word in their hearts is so important, because when we aren't with them, God is. He can bring a verse to their mind just when they need it during their day.
The thing to remember is that you do not have to be a Bible expert or have graduated from seminary to teach your kids about God. All you need is a heart for your kids to get to know God and grow to follow Him. You might even be surprised at how much YOU will learn and grow as a result of trying to help your children grow and learn.
Do you have a great way that you help your child(ren) grow in the knowledge of God? Please leave a comment- we would LOVE to hear your ideas!
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