To give you a context for my day, understand that my children tend to be spiritually undemonstrative. They do ask spiritual questions, but by and large, I’ve been amazed at how little interest they have in spiritual things. “Do you want to hear what Mommy is reading about?” No, thanks. If I talk too long, they ask when I’ll be done. When I try to ask questions, they shrug their shoulders.
This shouldn’t surprise me, given that I believe Scripture teaches that an unsaved child is spiritually dead in his sins. I guess somewhere along the way I got the idea that children who grew up in good Christian homes loved God from infancy. Hmph. Really, it doesn’t matter about every other child (who might follow a different pattern than mine), but I’m explaining how my perceptions have affected my parenting attitudes.
Part of parenting by faith is understanding that obedience is my job, and the results are God’s. So I’ve had to regularly remind myself that I need to teach my children the Bible the best I can, regardless of whether they appear interested or not. Yes, I’ve wondered if my children will grow up to be delinquents and reject God. No, I don’t think that’s good biblical thinking. It’s called worry, and its a sin. Just in case you were wondering. 🙂
We have noticed in the last few months a greater interest in the Bible from our oldest children, so we decided to purchase a Bible for David. PArt of his excitement is a new thing, I’m sure. But a few mornings after he had the Bible, I noticed him on the couch (of his own accord) with his Bible.
Mom! I just found the verse that’s on the plaque in my room! Show me thy ways O Lord. It’s in Psalms. [He looked it up himself]
Mom! Psalms is in the Old Testament!
A few minutes later, Mom, where is the story of Jesus’ birth in Matthew?
Mom! Matthew is the first book of the New Testament!
A few minutes later, Mom, where is the story of Jesus’ birth in Luke?
All in all, he spent about 25 minutes of his own time learning about and reading his Bible. I had to suppress an urge to check on his reading or understanding, but God kept me cleaning. I don’t want him reading the Bible to please mom. I’m praying that this is indeed the Holy Spirit working in his life. Happy, happy day!
Very exciting indeed! Take it as a victory and something to be excited about, even if it turns out it was just “something new”. As mine have memorized the books of the Bible and have wanted certain stories told over again, I have encourage them to look the story up so we can read it. Caleb has even begun writing verses that he likes in the front of his Bible. Not sure where he got the idea, but it was inspiring!
this brought tears to my eyes.