Children and Scripture
by MaryJane Pierce Norton
It was a typical morning in Sunday school several years ago. The seventh and eight graders in the room could think of a dozen other places they would rather be. I knew I would have a challenge getting them interested in a study of the life of Paul, so I decided to find out what they already knew. “Who can tell me one fact about Paul?” I asked hopefully. A few volunteered. “A disciple?” “I think he was a prophet in the Old Testament.” “Don’t we have a book of the Bible named after him?”
These children had been in our Sunday-school program since preschool and had studied Paul in the fifth and sixth grades. (I know-I taught them during that study!) And they didn’t know who Paul was! That incident served to strengthen my interest in trying to make the Bible come alive for children so that they would not only know who Paul was but also feel some of the same feelings and become involved in some of the same actions as our ancestors in the Bible.
Because of this real desire, I have enjoyed writing “Pocketsful of Scripture” each month for Pockets. This feature of Pockets encourages readers to establish a daily practice of spending time with God in scripture.
Why “Pocketsful of Scripture”?
“Pocketsful of Scripture” is an affirmation that the Bible is important-not just for adults but also for children. Through scripture we come to know God and God’s will for life. And scripture is a primary way we encounter God in the person of Jesus.
Through “Pocketsful of Scripture,” children are introduced to a balance of readings from the Old and New Testament. These readings may repeat things children may have studied in Sunday school. But the advantage of daily Bible readings is that the children are responsible for reading and rereading passages about a particular character, thinking about that character on their own, and identifying some of their own feelings that may be shared with the character.
Often “Pocketsful of Scripture” includes a key verse or verses that a child may choose to memorize. Memorization of the scripture is important. Children memorize many things. Many a nine-year-old knows the words to every song sung by a favorite recording artist. My concern is that children also know verses from the Bible that they will find themselves saying at times of hope, fear, joy, or despair. And, as they say those words, they will be aware of God’s presence and love.
“Pocketsful of Scripture” follows the church year as well as themes which are being dealt with in Pockets magazine. It is my hope that each season, the scripture chosen and the activities suggested will add to the child’s understanding of that time in the Christian year.
Just as important as knowing the words of verses, the stories of biblical men and women, and the location of the books of the Bible is identifying the feelings and actions of those men and women seeing how we today share those same feelings. I hope this makes the biblical story and that character more real. When we can see that we share some of the feelings that, for example, Peter experienced on the night he betrayed Jesus, Peter becomes more real to us.
And as we are able to identify with the feelings of biblical characters, it is easier to see ourselves taking some of the same actions that they took. “Go and do likewise” is often part of the suggested activities included in “Pocketsful of Scripture.” Actions involving showing love and concern for other people, building positive relationships within the family, and becoming concerned about the larger community and world are often included in the week’s suggested activities.
What Can a Parent Do?
You may have been aware of “Pocketsful of Scripture.” However, since it is written primarily for the child’s individual use, you may have wondered how to encourage your child in daily Bible readings and in following through with the suggested activities. Here are some things that can help your child in the reading of the Bible and finding the meaning in those readings.
*First, it is important that you be involved with the scriptures in your daily life. This will ground your life in the scriptures, and it will set an example for your children.
*It is important for children who can read to have their own Bibles. It is not important for them to have a children’s Bible. If you are selecting your child’s first Bible, do select one with pages that will not tear easily. Pick a translation that uses modern language. The King James Version, while beautiful and meaningful to us as adults, is very difficult as a first Bible. Save it until your child is ready to explore other translations.
*Use “Pocketsful of Scripture” in your family devotions. You may ask the child to share what he or she has read recently. You may ask your child to lead the rest of the family through an activity suggested for that week. Include the child’s individual study in your family discussion and times of prayer.
*Help your child find a special place for Bible study. Places are important. Is there a place where your child can be alone, keep a few things important for study, and feel free to “retreat” to his or her place for prayer, writing, and reading?
*Give your child some good Bible storybooks, in addition to a Bible. Bible storybooks expand the characters of the Bible, add interesting details about life in the Bible times, and spark the imagination. One fast rule in selecting good books: Always read before buying. Check the book for agreement with the actual story in the Bible. Ask yourself: Is this interesting to read? If you get caught up in the story, chances are your child will, too.
Scripture is important. I hope that your children are establishing the habit of daily Bible study; are looking to scripture for enjoyment, inspiration, and guidance; and are seeking ways to live out that scripture as they go about their daily lives.
