How Do Children Learn the Bible?

(Unknown)
12/18/11 - Marriage and Family

One of the most marvelous passages of Scripture on childrearing is given in Deuteronomy 6:3-9. From this great passage we are made to understand that children can learn God's word in a number of ways.

There is what we might call unconscious teaching. Children observe our lives, our moods, our reactions, our dispositions. They absorb and assimilate these into their own lives and personalities. Someone has said that children read our hearts, not our lips.

There is, in the second place, what we might call informal teaching. This is done by talking about holy things as we sit, walk, lie down, and rise up. The Jews wrote the Scriptures on signs and plaques and put them on their walls and at other conspicuous places. Some even had them embroidered on their clothing. These were all subtle and informal reminders of their need to be God-conscious.

Then, last of all, there were those formal teaching situations where prophets or priests or others, instructed by means of the various services, performed in the tabernacle, temple, and later the synagogues. Certain days had a special meaning. All males were to attend the three annual feasts. All of these activities and situations working together impressed upon the observing mind the need to be controlled and regulated by Jehovah.

Today, many of the same kinds of situations are presented to us. Let us learn to talk about the Bible with our children with the same ease with which we discuss sports activities and other such things. Let us keep the Word of God before them all the time. Let us resolve to never miss a preaching service or Bible class. Let us show them practical ways to put eyes, arms, and legs on God's commandments as we get caught up in helping others. Let us let God truly rule in our hearts and lives. The children are smart — they will catch on.