Good Morning!
I am sure you have heard it said as much as I have that one of the most important things we can do in raising our children is to read the Bible together. How it is vital to teach them how to study it and know God's Word. It is hard to argue with that logic, although the thought of gathering my 2-6 year olds together for a theological discussion is laughable. But alas, we shall try.
This is what our morning Bible study looks like (when it happens):
I gather everyone together on the couch. This usually involves bribery and takes several minutes to complete this very simple step, since one (or two) children believe it is a monumental task to put on pants.
Once we are settled with Cooper on one side, Emma on the other, and Ellie on my lap, there is a quick squabble over who gets to hold the devotional card. We have established multiple times that we will take turns. I read the verse, then it becomes a test of my reading abilities as the designated card holder finds it nearly impossible to hold the card still.
These Scriptures talk about God's big plan, the Fall, the fact that we are sinful people in need of a Savior to be with God. The questions require the typical Sunday school answers (Who did God send as your Savior? Jesus!). I asked, "Are you perfect?" To which Cooper responded with a very confident, "Yes!"
I sometimes wonder if the importance of reading Scripture with our children has less to do with what they absorb and more to do with my own sanctification.
The gospel laid bare in simple terms: God's holiness, our sinfulness, Jesus's perfect life and sacrifice. It is easy to cringe at the simplicity of the answers (the audacity that they are so straightforward!) But through that steady repetition, I realize I am not just speaking to my children. I am speaking to myself.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Jesus Christ. -- Romans 3:23-24
I lost my temper again. I could not possibly read one more bedtime story or my head would explode. Everyone went to bed in tears. All have sinned... all are justified freely...
I knew I should stop what I was doing and address the attitude and behavior coming out of my four-year-old, but I wanted to finish my task and chose to yell instead. All have sinned... all are justified freely...
I felt hurt and annoyed and directed my frustration toward my husband. All have sinned... all are justified freely...
There is nothing more humbling than becoming a mother and finding ourselves face to face with our own sin. Our own pride. And while I am reminded of this daily, praise God, I am also reminded of His grace. Grace freely given.
My children are not exempt from a sin nature (even though Cooper might disagree), and strangely, that comforts me. Because it means we all need the same message over and over again. We all have sinned and fall short of God's glory. And we are all redeemed freely through Jesus Christ.
So, we'll keep trying to gather on the couch in our messy and imperfect way because that message will always ring true... and pants are always required.