Planting Scripture in the Hearts of Children
Planting Scripture in the Hearts of Children
By Joseph Parker
“Your Word have I hidden in my heart that I might not sin against you” – (Psalm 119:11).
“Your Word is a Lamp to my feet and a light to my path” – (Psalm 119:105).
It is an extremely wise and important step for parents to make this goal: daily plant God’s Word in the hearts of your children. The anointing of God rests upon His Word, and so the power to bless is always present. The Word of God is full of life, grace, mercy, and peace. It is “pregnant” with the ability to bless. So when it is planted in the heart of a child it will bring about powerful and blessed results.
God’s Word ministers to his or her mind, body, and spirit. It strengthens and nourishes them in their faith, and it shapes their attitude in fruitful and positive ways. The Word also enhances every aspect of one’s being (1 Corinthians 1:5), including his/her personality and intellect. The Word of God planted in a child can even raise that child’s I.Q.
Psalm 119:105 speaks of another very significant blessing and benefit from the daily reading of God’s Word. It gives clear guidance and direction in every area of life, in either direct statement or principle. God’s Word gives guidance and wisdom about every issue, every subject, and every matter one could face in his or her lifetime. It helps believers come to know God’s will and His heart, and more of His point of view, His wise and accurate understanding of life, the world, and the people of the world.
In view of the great value and benefits of putting God’s Word into one’s heart, parents are very wise in guiding and helping their children to read it every day. Parents that are faithful to help their children in this way are giving the gift of helping them to fill their hearts with the life-giving Word.
So, here is a suggestion to parents. Take time daily to turn off all distractions – such as the T.V., the computer, the video games, etc.- and sit down with your children and have each of them read three chapters in the Word of God aloud to you (before you read, pray for the Lord to anoint the minds, ears, hearts, and understanding of each of you so that you and your children can get the most out of your reading time). Every parent who commits to this kind of habit – this daily family reading goal- will bless their children and family tremendously in many ways.
Another goal and investment for parents is – buy the Bible on CD or in some other audio form. Daily in your home, play, in the hearing of your whole family, the Word of God. As you and the members of your family listen to the reading of the Word of God, each of you will listen and learn and receive much from God. Listen at home as you are getting ready for work and/or school, listen as you are doing housework or other down time activities. You and the family can listen as you are riding in your car or van on short or long trips. Doing this is a very wise use of time, and its benefits and blessings to your whole family are tremendous.
Make it a high priority to plant God’s Word in our children’s hearts. Remember, His Word is pregnant with the ability to bless. Why not help to plant and even pour the Word of God in great abundance into the minds and hearts of our children? Then let’s watch what the Holy Spirit will do in them.