Parents As Teachers: A Biblical Perspective

Parents as Teachers: A Biblical Perspective

    It’s that time of year again when the cry of “Hooray!” can be heard around the world from delighted parents as their darling children start another school year. Whether you homeschool, send your kiddos to private or public schools, this post is for you. No matter where your children go to school, it is essential for parents to think about the responsibilities of educating their children and who those responsibilities fall upon, specifically when it comes to biblical instruction. Here’s a hint: the responsibility of educating our children falls to us, their parents.

The Bible tells us why we should want the best for our children. Psalm 127:3-5 tells parents that “...children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward…. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!” As parents God has given our children to us as a gift and a reward. We should want our precious children to know their Creator and to know Him as Savior. That is our biggest responsibility.

The Bible encourages parents in Deuteronomy how to teach God’s Word to their children, and it’s easier than you might imagine. “You shall teach them (God’s Words) diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down and when you rise” (6:7). Notice that teaching God’s Word to your children does not have to be anything formal. This teaching occurs in everyday life: when sitting in your house, when walking, when waking up in the morning, and when going to bed. These daily occurrences are perfect opportunities to talk about God’s Word and what it means.

Author and Bible scholar Dr. Joel Beeke offers a biblical perspective on daily times of family worship that only take 5-15 minutes per day but offer a huge biblical impact for the entire family. Dr. Beeke suggests four things to do with your family to encourage biblical worship in the hearts of your loved ones. 1. Read the Bible together (2 Timothy 3:14-17). 2. Pray together (1 Timothy 4:4-5). 3. Talk to your family about the chapter you read (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). 4. Sing the praises of God (Psalm 118:15). Don’t worry, it does not take a theology degree to do this with your family; it just takes a love for the Lord and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

If you have not taken on the responsibility of biblical training for your children, now is the time! Your kiddos might think it’s strange or different at first, but if there’s one thing I have learned about children in my twenty-two years in education, it’s that children are adaptable. They often will do what is modeled by the adults in their lives, good and bad. So, set an example for your children for the Lord, and God will honor your attempt by building on it.

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