Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path (Psalm 119:105).
Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching (1Timothy 4:13).
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:1-2).
Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates (Deuteronomy 6:4–9).
Many parents have never encouraged their children to read the Word of God out loud. It is simply not a priority.
Christian parents often take their children to Sunday School and church, and that’s a great thing. But sadly, having their children read the Word of God out loud to them every day, along with church attendance, is just not that important to them.
Allow me to make a case for why it would be very wise to change this reality.
Consider this important question and the answers to it.
What happens when a child reads the Word of God? What takes place in the life of a young person who is faithfully taking time to read God’s Word every day?
- That child is spending time with Jesus. He or she is spending time interacting with Jesus as they take time to read His Word. That child is spending time listening to the wisdom, grace, power, and insight of the Creator of the universe. (John 1:1; John 6:63, and Romans 12:1-2) What more productive activity could your child possibly be doing?
- That young person is receiving the most powerful, life-changing, and uplifting insight in all of the universe. The transforming power of the Word of God is working on the mind and heart of this young person. The Word of God is impacting this youth in many very fruitful ways (Romans 12:1-2 and Proverbs 1 and 2).
- This youth is spending time in the presence of Christ and God. And when any person spends time in the presence of God, he or she will not be the same on the other side of that time (John 1:1).
Researchers at the Center for Bible Engagement found some interesting insights about the importance of and place of reading Scripture in the life of a believer. According to their research, the life of someone who engages and spends time in Scripture four or more times a week looks radically different from the life of someone who does not.
They discovered that the lives of believers who do not engage the Bible most days of the week (three days or less) are statistically the same as the lives of unbelievers.
Spending time reading and meditating on Scripture daily is much more important than so many really grasp.
So, parents, if you begin the family habit of having your child read the Word of God out loud to you daily, great things can begin to happen in your child’s heart.
Why is it important for your child to read out loud to you, the parent? Because you know for sure that he or she has spent time reading the Word of God.
Sometimes a parent may tell a child “go read your Bible.” Maybe the child will. Maybe not.
Our children are human beings. And as much as we like to think our children do what we tell them, that has not always been true.
When you make time each day to have them read the Word of God out loud to you, you can know this for a fact. You know that they have spent time reading the Word of God that day.
Children and youth today are filling their minds with something. Sadly, too often, it’s been darkness, toxic information, and wicked worldly thinking and perspectives.
Too many youths have filled their minds with pornography, online garbage, demonic insights from dark movies and tv shows, horror movies, etc. And too many youths spend hours playing dark video games and doing things online that are very negative spiritually, mentally, and otherwise.
The blessed Word of God is pure light. There is absolutely nothing better for our children spiritually, mentally, and emotionally than the Word of God.
We are told in Matthew 4:4 that Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.
The Word of God heals all the ills of life! It is pregnant with the ability to bless us!
The transforming power of God’s Word is undeniable. It is powerful and it is very mighty in every way for good.
Beginning the habit of having your child read God’s Word out loud daily is very fruitful. It is a great way to help focus the power of God’s Word onto and into the lives of our children.
Today is a great day to start this family discipleship goal with your children. It will help produce eternal fruit.
