If you tried to make a list of all the things that you should teach your children, could you? So many things are important! As a parent, I can feel overwhelmed.

But what things are most important? What are key priorities in parenting? Certainly, one of the top priorities would be that our children grow up knowing the Bible, God’s Word to us, and using it and its teachings as the compass to direct them in the way they should go.

If your child was lost in a dark woods or building, what would be the most important thing to give them? A light source. Our children, by nature, are lost in a sin-darkened world. They need God’s light source, the Bible. “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Ps. 119:105).

It is one thing, however, to own a flashlight, and it is another to carry it and to use it. A flashlight with dead bat­teries or a flashlight left at home is of no help when one is lost. It is one thing for our children to own Bibles, and it is another that they are regularly read and used.

So, how can I as a parent, grandparent, relative, friend, and church family member encourage children to read their Bibles? I would like to suggest five practical ideas.

1. By being an example — Children learn something from what we say, more from what we do, but most from who we are. If you want your children to read their Bible, then read yours. If you want your children to take the Bible and its teachings seriously, then do so yourself. Let them not only see your outward actions, but give them a window to look into your heart.
   My father loved the book Pilgrim’s Progress, a book full of biblical references, teachings, and illustrations. Every Sunday, as young children, after we came home from the evening church service, we quickly changed into our pajamas and ran into the living room to get the best seats because Dad was going to read to us. I believe my earliest conscious memory is of me sitting at my father’s side. His one arm is around me and with the other he is holding Pilgrim’s Progress. As he is reading, a portion touches his heart, his voice quivers, he pauses, and his eyes fill with tears. I look up into my father’s face and I see his tears. I stare at him. My father provided a window here for me to see into his heart. As a three-year-old, I could not put this into words then, but I can now. At three years of age, I knew that to know and love God must be a very wonderful thing. This took place 60+ years ago, and I still see it as if it happened yesterday. The power of example!
   Use mealtimes to enjoy reading the Bible together, and use bedtimes with younger children. Select appropriate portions according to their ages. At dinner, having children read along in their Bibles as they learn to read, and taking turns reading some verses once they can do so fluently, can help them to engage. Ask some basic comprehension ques­tions and a few deeper thinking questions, which apply the truth or principle from Scripture to daily life. You may wish to use a devotional book written for the approximate ages of your children to assist you. Make this an interesting and meaningful time. Short, clear, and engaging for your children is the goal.
2. By teaching — Teach and explain to your children why the Bible is so special and important. Use examples. If the President or Prime Minister sent you a letter, would you not be interested in what it says? Much the more when the King of kings and the Creator and Upholder of the whole universe sends us a letter — the Bible!
   Help your children understand how the Bible is organized: first the Old Testament books of Moses, then books of history, then poetry, and the prophets; and then the New Testament books of the gospels, history, doctrinal teachings, and prophecy.
   Explain the truths (doctrines) of Scripture so as children mature they can see more connections. It is exciting to see how the same truth reappears and connects in different parts and books of the Bible.
   Use visuals. Some children are fascinated by maps. Chart the journeys of Abraham, Israel in the wilderness, or Paul, when reading these portions of Scripture. Young children are stimulated by pictures. Use pictures to illustrate the stories being read. Older children often like charts that can present factual information in clear visual ways. Deuteronomy instructs us to place the words of Scripture visually in our homes; “and thou shalt write them (the words, laws, testimonies of God) upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates” (Deut. 11:20).
3. By children’s personal possession and use — When your children’s reading levels are appropriate, purchase a personal Bible for each one. Choose one with good size type. Allow your children to select an attractive cover that they like. They can use highlighter pen to mark parts they have read in their personal Bibles that speak to them in special ways. These all enhance a sense of ownership.
   Personal bookmarks for younger children’s Bibles can be meaningful. Discussing what book of the Bible older children are reading and placing sticky notes from time to time with personal thoughts and encouragements at the appropriate portions of Scripture can be meaningful.
   Setting up an appropriate reading schedule is impor­tant. This can be based on reading through age-appropriate Bible books. Selecting portions from both Old and New Testaments that address a particular theme can promote interesting reading and deepen learning for older children.
   You may wish to set up a system for memorizing portions of Scripture according to the ages of your children. Doing this as a family can make it more interesting. Using Christian school or church catechism class memory assignments can be helpful.
4. By reflecting — Reflecting on what was read is important. A journal may be helpful; older children can write a key thought from their Bible reading or devotion each day, as well as notes from the sermons they hear. Teens may write out a practical application that they wish to pray about and implement, by God’s grace, in their lives.
   Use personal bedtime devotions with young children to answer questions and discuss applications from Bible readings. Try as much as possible to schedule time for this. Try not to rush such precious times. Dads, become involved as well. You only have this opportunity with your children for a few years. Quickly it passes, never to return.
5. By praying — Helping your children learn how to pray is important. Guide them in praying about what was read and lessons meditated upon during dinner time devotions. Use bedtime devotions as well. Pre-discussions regarding key items to pray for can be helpful.
   Pray much, also privately as parents. Remember that while we may do all we can to encourage our children to read the Bible, only God can plant and nurture a love for Him and His Word in their hearts. We are like the servants who did as Mary instructed them and filled the water pots with water. It is Jesus alone who can do the miracle and change the water to wine. We are like the parents who brought their children to Jesus. It is Jesus alone who can bless them. Therefore, let us pray and work. Not one or the other, but let us do both diligently.

Is it important that our children read their Bibles? Yes, critically important. God’s Word itself gives us clear instructions about this: “shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done. For he established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he com­manded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children: that they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments” (Ps. 78:4-7). Jesus teaches us to “search the Scriptures ... and they are they which testify of me” (John 5:39). And God promises that those who “seek me early shall find me” (Prov. 8:17). So “train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Prov. 22:6).