I’ve long wrestled with ways of striking the balance between allowing a child to develop the discipline of reading the Bible on his own, and requiring the discipline of this reading.
We’ve done a lot to encourage Bible reading, short of requiring it.
- Made learning to read, and a new Bible a major life even to look forward to.
- Allowed children to stay up late if they read their Bible.
- Encouraged them to highlight and underline verses that they want to remember (and refraining from criticizing when the underlines are a little crooked.
- Encouraging listening to the Bible.
We read it together, teaching them how to use their Bible. Looking up verses, using a concordance, using the center margins, all give a familiarity with the Bible that is conducive to more reading. Talking about how the Bible affects their concerns and lives motivates them to read those verses later on their own.
But still, children, being children, often prefer playtime to reading the Bible. They haven’t yet seen the value of a lifetime of studying God’s Word. And although they will tell you that they need to read it more, other activities crowd out eternal ones more often than not. Is requiring spiritual behavior a good idea?
I’ve seen how requiring some habits allow them to see the benefits of that discipline. We’ve required that they save up money over a period of weeks or months for desired toys. As they compare the toys they buy from the dollar store with ones that hold up to use, they have all seen the value of saving to buy something they really want, instead of buying just because they have money to spend. We’ve seen this pattern play out with other disciplines.
But I still have hesitated to require daily Bible reading for X minutes each day. I don’t want them to be dependent upon a mother’s reminders to maintain their spiritual lives. On the other hand, I’ve started wondering whether requiring some reading, but giving them the choice of when and what, may not be a good approach. I tried it today, with good results. I don’t think I will do it every day, but it bears considering.
Good thoughts, Michelle. I really enjoy your thoughtful blog.
We didn’t “require” daily Bible reading until our oldest was about 13, primarily because we made Bible part of his school studies. His little sister, never to be left behind, insisted on having her own devotions. My thinking now is more of training in the habit of reading the Scriptures daily (just small bites at first), just like I have them brush their teeth before they have the wisdom to do so on their own. So last year I read with my 7/8 yo and will probably do it again for at least the first half of next year. It is not happening every day, but we are striving. The story is not finished, but that’s how I see it now : )
Michelle,
These comments regarding Bible reading for children are thought provoking. As a homeschooling mother, one of my greatest joys is teaching our children to read.
Since the Bible is the greatest piece of literature in the world, it is one of the first books our children begin to read. Soon, it is part of their daily morning routine. Life only gets busier, so it is a good discipline to develop early on.
Sara and Debbie, You both have older kids, so I’m glad for your perspective. Have you found that your children read their Bibles on their own as they get older? If so, how are making/ plan to make that transition? It’s great to hear from you both. Please come again!!