Bible-lite Families

The bible isn’t popular. Most families ignore it. Some families neglected it. The result of years of biblical ignorance is disastrous. The culture mocks truth. The bible is shunned as irrelevant. Uninformed voices ridicule a bible they do not know. The culture listens unaware that God has revealed Himself through these ancient words.

Avoiding the bible is understandable. Parents who feel limited in their knowledge of the bible don’t wish to display their ignorance so they, perhaps unintentionally, steer clear of opportunities that make themselves appear unaware. Our children observe what is important to us. Our kid’s impulses are inclined toward what we parents value – right on wrong. Our kid’s instinctively embrace what we parents, those in whom they love and trust more than anyone else, hold closely to our hearts.

If the bible isn’t popular in our homes, if the bible isn’t popular with our friends, if the bible isn’t popular in our schools, if the bible isn’t popular in our neighborhoods and communities, then what the church says will not matter much to our kids.

Sadly, even in some churches there has developed an impatience with the Word of God. People are not inclined to take their kids someplace if their kids will protest enough (whine, dawdle, cry, or defiance). Most kids will protest a bible class or lesson if they can find a church that has fun games or inflatable toys. It follows that churches are competing for a dwindling number of people who will attend. In an effort to draw a crowd and satisfy appetites, they will sacrifice the bible. We are feeding our hunger for amusement and starving our souls from truth.

THIS IS A DANGEROUS PLACE.

A disciple’s guide is the Bible. The Bible is God’s standard for truth. It was Jesus’ prayer for his followers that they would be transformed by the truth.

If we are impatient with the one resource that will help us discover soul satisfaction, the Word of God, then our futures are in peril and our souls will remain chaotic. Dallas Willard has written,

“The single most obvious traits of those who profess Christ but do not grow into Christ-likeness is their refusal to take the reasonable time and tested measures for spiritual growth.”

Here are a few ways that we can demonstrate to our kids that the bible is essential:

1. Engaging in hearing the Bible preached (Romans 10:13-15). .
2. Reading the Bible (Nehemiah 8:8; )
3. Studying the Bible (John 5:39; Acts 17:11.)
4. Memorizing the Bible (Joshua 1:8; Psalms 119:9-11)
5. Meditating upon the Scriptures (1 John 2:14)
6. Obeying the Bible (Psalm 119:98-100)

Hearing preaching, reading, studying, memorizing, meditating, and obeying the Word of God are the ways that the truth of God was learned in the bible. Sadly, in today’s culture, Sundays are a good day for a family to plan events; baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, team tournaments, week-end get-aways, etc.. To excel in a team sport it is expected that we will involve our kids in competitive leagues not matter the cost. Further, the frantic pace that some families keep racing to the next important event only allows Sunday for rest. Bible time, church, cooperate worship is too easily sacrificed.

Digital technology - social media, TV, movies, video games, internet activities are prevalent in the lives of our kids. A verbal discussion about an unknown biblical story, truth, or precept requires more difficult mental investment. It is hard to focus when video images and visual pleasure has become the norm. Although there in nothing inherently evil about kid’s sports, family weekend time, or digital technology it is easy to see how a kid can learn that the bible isn’t popular or essential.

Yet, look at the promises about the bible

• John 17:17;
• 1 Peter 2:2-3;
• 2 Timothy 3:16-17;
• James 1:22-25;
• Psalms 119:9-11;
• Psalms 119:103-105;
• Hebrews 4:12;
• Joshua1:8;
• Psalm 1:1-3

Our children need to see the bible matters to their parents. There are many ways for our kids to observe in us how and why the bible is essential. The question is, “Will we parents make an effort to prove it?”

Dr. Phil Sallee, Pastor
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