As a homeschooler, the days are filled with learning. Some lessons have more formality than others. Even during the summer, I encourage my kids to read every day and learn at least one new thing. Not all lessons fall under “reading, ‘riting, and ‘rithmetic.” In fact, many of our best days include lessons in life skills, creativity, play, and helping others.
Of all the lessons we teach our children, though, one matters more than the rest. We are teaching them to know God, know His Word, and live out their faith.
In 2020, after months of waiting, the youth at our congregation performed their LTC events. The annual convention was canceled, and we met virtually for almost three months. The kids finally shared what they had been learning. The theme for 2020 was Rescued.
Our son based his speech on Mario rescuing the princess over and over again. One of my favorite things about teaching this boy is the connections he makes using the fun things he enjoys with practical Bible truths.
Those connections are part of what it means to train our children in the Father’s business. Bible lessons aren’t meant to remain inside the church building or become one more subject to complete during the school day. God’s Word becomes part of the way they understand the world around them.
Deuteronomy 6 describes this kind of teaching as part of everyday life. We talk about God’s commands when we sit at home, when we walk along the road, when we lie down, and when we get up (Deuteronomy 6:6–7). Faith isn’t something we teach only during a designated Bible lesson. Our children see it in the way we worship, pray, serve, obey, repent, and live.
Jesus taught this lesson throughout His ministry, but specifically in Matthew 22:36–40. Love God. Love people.
We teach our children countless lessons. We teach them to read, solve problems, develop life skills, serve others, and navigate the world around them. All of those things matter. Faith, however, cannot simply become one more subject on that list. We teach our children about God as we go, helping them connect His Word to the lives they are already living.
Of all the lessons I teach my children, teaching them to know God, love Him, and live according to His Word is the most important.
