It is entirely possible to set a standard that God’s Word is the most important thing to spend time in. By doing this, imagine the legacy we could leave behind!
During my oldest son's elementary years, we lived like most American families, enjoying school programs, sports events, and the whirlwind of activities surrounding us at the time. Looking back at the photos, I see lots of smiles and good memories. However, I also remember the struggle to make the Bible a priority. It seemed like there just wasn’t enough time to incorporate it into our busy lives. Therefore, we kept adding to our schedule year after year while pushing Bible time further into the background. Even our prayer time was limited to a quick blessing before dinner and another one before bed. Most of our children’s spiritual training came from church on Sunday mornings and the occasional Wednesday night service. The truth is, our priorities were mixed up, and instead of making Bible time the most important can’t-miss event of the week, we pushed it to the margins of our overly busy lives.
Can you relate?
Reading the Bible as a family isn’t just another task to check off the list. It’s not as if God is looking down and shaking His head when we choose other things. Instead, He is longing for deeper fellowship with us. He is waiting to impart wisdom, knowledge, and truth for every circumstance. His Word is not another book to gather dust on the shelf, but rather a lamp unto our feet and a light for our path. (Psalm 119:105)
There are many reasons why Bible time is so important - even during the busy school year, but I’ve condensed them down to three, and I believe they are the most important reasons. I pray they encourage you to turn your schedule upside down to make Bible time the most important weekly event. Truly, this could change the trajectory of your family and the direction of your children’s hearts towards God.
1. Grounded in the Word
When our kids hear the word “grounded,” they usually associate it with something they’ve done wrong. However, being grounded in the Word is foundational for life. As Isaiah 40:8 says, “The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.”
Families need the firm foundation found in Christ alone, and the Bible reminds us of everything Jesus taught. In a world that is ever-changing, the Word of the Lord endures forever. What a wonderful thing to teach our children to help them remain strong and steadfast in the days ahead!
When we align our thoughts, words, and actions on the solid truth of the Word - and help our children do the same - we are establishing deep roots as the winds of change come. Bible time becomes a necessity instead of an afterthought, and families are solidified by the sure foundation they have in Christ Jesus.
Strengthen your family unit by grounding your life on the absolute authority of God’s Word. By example, show your children how abiding in Christ brings joy, peace, and hope in every situation. Let the Bible become the standard on which you live and experience the amazing blessings that are sure to follow.
Here are some resources to help your family be grounded in the Word:
Our 15 Favorite Kids Bible Studies to Teach God's Love from Home
Studying the Bible as a Family
Accountable to God
You might not realize this, but Bible time leads to more accountability. How? By studying the Scriptures (which are the very words of God), we are learning more about who He is and who he created us to be. The Bible leads our children in the way they should go, so that when they are old, they will not depart from it (Proverbs 22:6).
Personal accountability has taken a back seat in recent years, with everyone doing whatever they please. However, this is not part of God’s beautiful design. He fashioned us in His likeness to become more and more like His Son. The Bible teaches us just how to do this!
As parents, let’s instill a healthy fear of the Lord, teaching our kids to honor, respect, and obey Him. This is not meant to be legalístic, but instead, a grace-filled lifestyle that holds us accountable to our good, good Father. As the beautiful worship song says, “You're a good, good Father. It’s who You are. And I'm loved by You. It's who I am.”
It’s imperative to teach our children the importance of accountability in every area of life. God isn’t reserved for Sunday school only; He is the One to whom we are accountable on a minute-by-minute basis. As Hebrews 4:13 says, “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”
By helping our children understand God’s loving authority and the blessings of following after Him, we are establishing the proper order of things. We are teaching them that the Bible leads them on bright paths of truth and integrity in holy accountability to the God who loves them.
Resources to encourage accountability to God:
Why Is Accountability So Important to God?
Generational Legacy of Truth
What if you were to completely upend your family’s schedule to revolve around Bible time, instead of making Bible time revolve around your busy schedule? What a revolutionary idea!
Establishing a generational legacy of truth begins with us. We can start anew by letting Jesus be the center of it all. We CAN turn off the TV, leave our phones behind, and break away from social media in order to make the Bible a priority. We can fine-tune our children’s school calendars, sporting events, and extracurricular activities to be secondary to their time with the Lord. It is entirely possible to set a standard that God’s Word is the most important thing to spend time in. By doing this, imagine the legacy we could leave behind!
Please know I’m speaking to myself first and foremost, wanting to flip the switch and make Bible time the most important event of the day. I want every word from the mouth of the Lord to become my daily bread. I want to hunger and thirst after Him more than I hunger and thirst for the things of this world.
What about you?
Are you longing to create more space for Bible study, prayer, and worship? Why wait? This is the day the Lord has made, so rejoice let’s rejoice in Him and His truth. Let’s rearrange our hectic schedules by putting Jesus at the center and letting everything else revolve around Him.
When your children see the intentionality in seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, they’ll be taught to carry on your family’s legacy for generations to come.
Here are a few resources for leaving a legacy:
Are You Leaving A Legacy Of Faith? - Love Worth Finding
How to Leave a Legacy of Faith
The Only Lasting Legacy You Can Leave
Let’s pray:
Gracious God, thank You for being a good, good Father. Forgive us for spending all our time hurrying to the next event without stopping to think of You. We know that our schedules are too full and our lives too busy. Please help us slow down, open Your Word, and follow after You. Give us the courage to flip the switch and make everything revolve around You. In Jesus’ holy name, amen.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Skynesher
