My brothers and I learned in homeschool while we were growing up. Our parents did not teach us math, reading, and writing at home. We attended public school. But in the subjects that mattered (Bible study and memorization, Christian principles, Christian service, etc.), we were schooled at home.
My parents took seriously the command “You shall teach them diligently to your [b]children [impressing God’s precepts on their minds and penetrating their hearts with His truths] and shall speak of them when you sit in your house and when you walk on the road and when you lie down and when you get up” (Deuteronomy 6:7 AMP).
Spiritual training takes place at home
I was a firm believer that my children might not survive if I tried to homeschool them in place of public school. However, we did homeschool in the subjects that mattered. We spent time reading Bible stories and devotionals that taught righteous living. Discussion of personal response to Scripture accompanied family meals. We utilized take-home papers from church to start conversations about applying Scripture to our lives. All of our boys participated in Bible quiz, memorizing scripture and learning books of the New Testament in depth. My husband and I served as coaches in the Bible Quiz program.
My parents set the example while we were growing up. Dad served as a deacon and teacher in the church we attended. Mom taught in children’s ministries in the church and in neighborhood children’s Bible clubs. We learned from the Word of God and memorized Scripture at mealtime and bedtime.
Common items associate Scripture with everyday life
Pictures, hand-drawn or cut out of coloring books, were associated with Scripture verses. Even now, as a grandmother when I see a loaf of bread, I think, “Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me will not hunger, and he who believes in Me will never thirst” (John 6:35). By associating common items with Scripture verses, we were reminded of the Scripture in our everyday lives.
In our current times of isolation forced by the pandemic, many of you are homeschooling your children out of necessity. I know frustration is a common emotion. In the midst of unusual demands on your relationship with your children, don’t neglect their spiritual education. Use this time you have with them to influence them strongly to love the Word of God and to be obedient in service to him.
Make sure our children and grandchildren know the Word of God
If you struggle with where to start, I’m offering you a printable today to help you get started. I have drawn pictures and matched them with six of the “I am” verses from the Gospel of John. We learned these as young children and still recall them quickly when we see the items in the pictures. I am also including a list of common items and the scriptures that they could represent. You don’t have to draw, you can trace from color books, copy pictures from books (for your own use only), or take photos of your own.
Click this link to request the flashcards.
Whether we are following Stay At Home orders or life has returned to “normal,” we need to take the time to make sure our children and grandchildren know the Word of God. If you work outside the home, use a few minutes each day to plant the seeds of Scripture into their lives and your own. Use bedtime, mealtime, morning quiet times, or time between getting home and starting dinner. You can do this!
Share your heart for God with your children. Set the example for them spending time with God in the Word and in prayer. Spend time with them in the Word and in prayer. I’m praying for you as you homeschool your children in spiritual truth.
Thank you for letting me share my heart for home and family!
