The Power of 4 Effect is a study done by The Center For Bible Engagement. It says that “the life of someone who engages Scripture 4 or more times a week looks radically different from the life of someone who does not. In fact, the lives of Christians who do not engage the Bible most days of the week are statistically the same as the lives of non-believers.”
Engaging Scripture in our daily lives is important. Helping our kids develop this habit in their lives is something that we can be proactive about doing. Here are a few ideas that could help in doing this.:
- Do it Together! Set aside time to study together. That could be in the morning, at dinner time, or any time that works best for your family. Pick something you will go through together and stick to it. Some examples could be:
- Read through a chapter in Psalms together and then dissect it in your own words to better understand it. Use this as a way to pray through this Psalm when you are done.
- Pick a book of the Bible to read and take it a chapter a day. Have some questions to discuss that have to do with the passage and then how could you apply this to your life.
- Watch a “Bible Project” video that goes through a book of the Bible. These are great videos that break down passages or books to better understand them. This is especially helpful when you are a visual learner!
- Lead by Example. I’ve heard many stories of friends seeing their parents early in the morning reading their Bible in the chair in the living room as they walked out the door for school. That set the example for them in their lives to find space for time alone with God. Being in a common space studying the Bible, where the kids can see, can be an encouragement to them. Studying in the quiet is also great! Creating a healthy Bible reading habit of your own will portray the importance of this practice. As we know, kids are always watching and listening, even when we don’t think that they are.
- Discuss the purpose. Talk about why we should read the Bible. Create a dialogue with your children about the meaning of relationship with Jesus. When we want to get to know someone, we need to spend time with them. The best tool we have to get to know Jesus is the living, breathing, and active Word. This book holds history, character habits, ways to live, and stories of how to live like Jesus lived. The Bible speaks to us, is our comfort and our peace. Give your kids practical examples of how you’ve seen the Bible do just that in your life.
I encourage you to start a conversation with your family today. If you don’t already, make a game plan to study the Bible together or set a goal as a family to do it on your individual time. Create a time to check in with each other to keep each other accountable. Consistent Bible reading and digging into Scripture is guaranteed to change your life.
Becca Ebenhoch
Director of Soul Exercises