This post is from contributor, Marianne Sunderland
Most Christian homeschoolers would agree that one of the main reasons we homeschool is to disciple our children in our Christian faith. We are inspired, convicted even, by the words of Deuteronomy 6 which exhort parents to diligently teach about the law (word) of God while we sit in our homes, when we walk by the way, even when we lie down and when we rise up.
Yet, the reality often looks different – I know that it is in my house. I mean to disciple my kids, to have meaningful Bible studies and heart-felt philosophical exchanges, but as the pendulum swings and life gets busy and busier, we can tend to lose our spiritual focus in exchange for the academic responsibilities that are ever-present as homeschool families.
This should be no surprise. The Bible is clear that we, as Christians in this world, are fighting a battle; it’s a spiritual battle against the prince of this world – Satan – who roams around seeking whom he may devour. He is actively seeking to steal, kill, and destroy you, me, and our families. One of the methods that Satan uses, at least in my home, is distraction. We get busy and spread too thin and before we know it, we are chasing after man-made goals and activities – often at the expense of more spiritual subjects.
With this in mind, I compiled a list of seven ways that we can simply and naturally include spiritual teachings throughout our days in the true Deuteronomy 6 way.
- Love the Word yourself. More is caught than taught, as they say. When your kids see you in the Word and the subsequent peace and joy that comes from that time, they will naturally be drawn to do the same in their own lives.
- Share what God is teaching you. You do not need to be a Bible scholar to teach your kids about the Word. Begin where you are and share how God is answering your prayers and how He is speaking to you through your time in the Word.
- Encourage your kids to share what God is teaching them. There is just something about other believers sharing their testimonies that is so powerful. Encourage your kids to share what God is teaching them. Listen. Try not to lecture or preach but encourage thought and joy in how God speaks to all of us!
- Post scriptures throughout your home. Deuteronomy 6 says to write them (scriptures) on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. Nowadays, with printers and online Bibles, printing verses and posting them throughout your home is EASY!
- Commit to memorize the Word together. I used to get so overwhelmed with Bible memory. My anxiety over how to teach so many kids the Word paralyzed me, and basically we were not memorizing at all! A dear friend suggested writing verses on 3X5 cards and attaching them to a key ring. When I see a verse that I want our family to memorize, I write it down and add it to the stack of cards. We read them throughout the day. Don’t worry – a little work each day will end with your family learning many verses. How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to God’s Word!
- Correct your kids with the Word. Remember, conflicts are opportunities to teach character. Don’t just moralize your kids. Correct them with the Word. Use Bible verses to convict and correct your little ones. In this way, not only are they hearing the word but they are applying it to their lives. Point them to their need of a loving Savior!
- Pray that your kids would have a supernatural love for God’s Word. Everyone has ups and downs in their spiritual walks. Pray that God would give your children a supernatural desire and love for God’s word.
Another homeschool year is upon us. Take the time now, before life gets too busy, to implement some of these strategies into your daily routine and watch your kids grow in wisdom and knowledge and favor with God and men!!
So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17
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Thank you for this!! 🙂
You must be careful when convicting your kids with the Word of God. It is a TWO-edged sword. While it can draw us closer to God when HE uses it to convict us in our spirits, it can push us away from God when others use it to convict us on his behalf. Just love your kids with the love if Christ, and lead by example the ways of The Lord, and teach them His Word, and HE will convict them. I’ve seen too many people hurt by family when the Word was used as a sword to convict someone and they’ve turned away from God. He does this with perfect timing and love. Don’t drive your children away with good intentions, but trust The Lord and his timing. Pray that the seeds that you’ve planted with your kids will take root, and The Lord will bring life and fruition to it on his own. Thank you for the article.