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Why is it important to teach Scripture to children?
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It is important to teach Scripture to children because we are told that all scripture is good for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction of righteousness. As the speaker stated, Scripture was a central part of Jesus’ teachings and it is our “responsibility to come alongside and build that belief system.” We should teach Scripture because it is important and that is what Jesus did.
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Paul taught this to Timothy: “and that from a child you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith, which is in Jesus Christ.” and “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness.” Teaching Scripture from childhood is important because it is brings them to Salvation and shows them how to walk as a Christian.
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Children are hungry for truth. They have the capacity to memorize scripture and songs beyond my own at times. Their brains are like sponges, absorbing anything and everything around them. The song we sing in the nursery, “Oh be careful little eyes what you see, Oh be careful little ears what you hear…..” is so foundational to the spiritual growth and development of young children. I use this song in my 2nd grade classroom when applicable. Do you remember this song from when you were very small? Why does God want us to be careful when we look at the T.V. or youtube, or video games? We are going to see many things that would not please God, but we don’t have to “LOOK” at them. We are going to hear many things that would not please God, but we don’t have to “LISTEN” to them. We are to look and listen to God’s Word.
This world is working overtime to indoctrinate young minds with every type of social agenda possible. Families are falling into the devils snare, communities are falling into the devils snare, these children need to hear absolute truth for their soul. They are hungry and thirsty for the knowledge that there is something beyond their current circumstances. Even at a very young age they are exposed to adult problems, and they observe and comprehend more than most adults realize. They have questions about sickness, death, divorce, alcohol and drug abuse, lying, cheating, stealing, money or financial issues, they hear adult conversations and they worry. Childhood anxiety and depression and suicide is on the rise. They need truth, they need to know that there is a God of the Universe that is bigger and stronger than any “bad guy” here on earth.
They need to know that God promises to never leave them, He promises to be their helper. He does not promise that life will always be happy, he does not promise that loved ones will not die, He does not promise that people will not fail them, but He does promise that there is Hope in the Blood of Jesus Christ. He does offer Salvation. And He offers to take the worries that are yoked around your neck and carry those burdens. That as children, they do not have to worry about adult problems, they need to worry about growing strong and healthy, learning and having fun. They are children and Jesus loves children. They need to know that anyone who would do harm to a child, God says it would be better if a big stone was tied to their neck and they were thrown into the deepest ocean. God will take care of sin. He is the One True God. They need to hear scripture.
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Scripture is the way, the truth, and the life. Parents train your children the way they should go and they will not depart from it. It is said that it takes a village to raise a child. As educators who have 8 hours a day with children, should teach the way, the truth, and the life. In the beginning, there was the Word, the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Jesus said that he is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. Children should know about the beginning of life. They should know that answers to the Big Questions.
