Why the Bible matters to our children

Why is this important to know? Because it shows children that they can take pride in their faith, even though they are a minority. In addition to teaching children the content of the Bible, they need to know how God's Word has influenced the world around them. And the influence is huge because the Bible is at the root of Western prosperity.

Even a cursory glance at history shows that faith has been like a tree providing shelter to countless non-Christians. God's Word has been mixed into all aspects of our society. That way, it has improved the flavour of the world, like salt in food and raised the standard of life in the world. As Isaiah 55:11 says, God's Word never returns void.

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Societal impact

Knowing how the Bible has impacted society enables Christian children to take pride in their faith. They will see tangible evidence of its impact when they can connect at the local hospital, the animal shelter, and the school. This knowledge can strengthen their sense of identity as Christians simply because they see its positive effect.

Knowing the Bible's societal impact will also help children establish a strong link between beliefs and their consequences on a more general level. Recognising that every idea is a seed that can bear good or bad fruit is a vital lesson for children. It can help them guard their hearts from evil thoughts that would bring undesirable consequences. It can also help them resist evil on a societal level.

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At present, our Christian heritage is being systematically hidden or removed from school material. In Finland, one school even cancelled their attendance of a classical concert because of its Christian content.

Since some schools actively suppress our Christian heritage, we, as parents, need to take responsibility for passing it on to the next generation ourselves. Teaching the connection between the root (the Bible) and its fruit (positive change in society) should be done both within the home and the church. Children not exposed to such teaching at home should receive this at Sunday school in an age-appropriate way.

Why history?

But how can we do this?  Naturally, we need to learn to read history correctly ourselves. Multiple podcasts and online resources can train us to see the connections between the Bible and our world.

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As for communicating our findings to children, it is important to present a clear Bible passage and then connect it to the societal impact it has had. For example, you may want to quote Deuteronomy 6:6-7 when you explain why Martin Luther promoted literacy for all.

Teaching history actually curbs their rebellion

Although teaching history with the Bible in your hand may seem challenging at first, the effort is well worth our time. The Old Testament is full of exhortations to teach the next generation about God's Word. Just take a look at Psalm 78, for instance. "[…] "We will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord […]

He […] established the law in Israel, which He commanded our ancestors to teach their children so that the next generation would know them […] and they, in turn, would tell their children. Then, they would put their trust in God and not forget His deeds but keep His commands. They would not be like their ancestors — a stubborn and rebellious generation whose hearts were not loyal to God."

The psalmist makes it clear that teaching history is necessary and powerful. It actually empowers the next generation to remain faithful to God and obey Him. Now that that's an interesting prescription for children and teenagers! Teaching history actually curbs their rebellion.

Showing children the power of God's Word in the past will inspire them to study it in the future. And who knows how the Bible will bear fruit through them in the future?