I must admit, it’s a little ridiculous how many lines from movies I can recite. And let a DJ start playing 90s R&B, and I’m singing every verse. 
 
But ask me to quote scripture and I start to stutter and stumble through verses – guessing how some of them end and blending a few unrelated scriptures together.  
 
The human mind has so much potential! Yet we can easily waste it on things of this world instead of the glory of the Lord. 
 

The Power of God’s Word

Did you know in traditional Jewish education, the average 10-year-old boy would have memorized the first 5 books of the Bible also known as the Torah? Those continuing their education to become Pharisees memorized most of the Old Testament.
 
I can only imagine how much time was spent and how many learning techniques were used to teach this to a room of elementary-aged boys. But they did it because it was important. Every male child was required to do so because of how much they valued the Word of God. With this in mind, I think of this passage in Psalm 119.
 
[verse reference=”Psalm 119:11“]“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you God.”[/verse]
 
Doesn’t this bring a new perspective on what it means to hide God’s word in our hearts?
 
It doesn’t just mean reading God’s Word – but loving and honoring it.  Perhaps even cherishing it enough to dedicate many hours to memorizing it and letting it dwell in our minds.  Scripture tells us that if we learn God’s Word, it can help us to not sin against God.  Talking about the Bible with our families, can also help keep our children on the right path.
 
Our kids need more than their youth group, a good youth pastor, or a good Christian school with Christian values. While all these things can be beneficial in their spiritual walk, none of them compare to the Word of God.
 
That’s why it’s so important that our children know the Word of God, instead of just being familiar with popular Bible stories. This living Word has POWER.

When the Enemy Attacks

When Jesus was tempted by the same devil that seeks to tempt and deceive our children, He replied with the Old Testament scriptures saying “It is written…” (Matthew 4:4).
 
He didn’t say “Wait Satan, let me pull out the scrolls and find a scripture that relates.” He most likely knew the scriptures by memory because, as a Jewish boy, he had memorized at least the Torah. 
 
Jesus took out His Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, and went to work (Ephesians 6:17)! And the Sword did not fail Him. After combatting Satan three times with the Word, Satan left (Matthew 4:11).
 
Interestingly enough, Satan also quoted scriptures back to Jesus during this time of temptation. The difference?
Jesus submitted to the Word of God and obeyed it.  His lifestyle reflected reverence and love for God because He obeyed God’s commands.  Which is the same thing Jesus requires of us (John 14:15).

 

Put in the Work

Leading our kids into a lifestyle of obedience to God’s Word requires that we model a lifestyle of obedience, too. 
 
We must teach our children that God doesn’t want us to just memorize scripture for the sake of looking good to others. It’s to help us build a deep, rich relationship with Him. This rarely happens without intentionality from us as parents.
 
When I set out to teach my two and three-year-old Psalm 23, I had to read it to them every night line by line and memorize it myself along with them. 
 

It took time and patience. With my overly tired mom mind, I often forgot to have the kids practice their verses. Sometimes I got discouraged. But I knew it was possible, and it would be worth it!Oh-if we had a culture that encouraged our toddlers to memorize scripture instead of CocoMelon songs. We would put up a good fight against the enemy.

Imagine if we had a culture that encouraged our toddlers to memorize scripture instead of CocoMelon songs. We would put up a good fight against the enemy.

Why Not Start Today?

Now, when my 6-year-old daughter, who learned scripture at the age of 3, is scared in the middle of the night, the first thing I ask is “Did you pray?” The second is, “Have you said your Bible verses?” 
 
If any threat comes to her from the enemy, she can draw on the Sword of the Spirit to oppose him, just like Jesus did. And while I’ll always comfort her as much as I can, she can also rest in the comfort of the relationship with her Father, placing her faith in Him. 
 
It’s my prayer that we’re raising disciples of Jesus who will be able to stand firm with the Armor of God when Mom and Dad are not around and when the trials of this world inevitably come against them. (Ephesians 6). 
 
Trials will come and our children need to focus their minds on the promises of God when chaos is all around them (Philippians 4:8). 
 
Whether your child is a toddler or an adult, it’s never too early or late to encourage them to memorize scripture. 
 
Why not choose a passage today for your family to memorize together?  Make it fun and create a Bible verse challenge!
 
Then start memorizing and applying its principles to your lives. Meditate on it day and night. Then watch as it helps to deepen your family’s relationship with the Lord.