Raising a Generation Rooted in the Word of God

We must raise up a generation who are ROOTED in the word of God. This does not mean simply being familiar with Bible stories or understanding theology. It’s more than just memorising verses.

It is possible to have all these things and still not be rooted in the Bible.

We are not merely talking about children who love the Bible or read it regularly. While these are important, they are not the end goal. If children are to be truly rooted in the Bible, all these elements are necessary. However, one can possess knowledge without being deeply rooted in it.

Jesus warns us about this when he speaks of those who hear his teachings versus those who hear and obey them. He tells the parable of the wise and foolish builders—one builds on rock, the other on sand.

The Essence of Psalm 1

Psalm 1 captures this essence beautifully. It describes a person who does not follow the wicked or base their decisions on those who mock truth. Instead, their heart and mind are saturated with God’s word. Every decision, action, and direction is guided by it.

In short, they possess a Biblical worldview that informs all they do. The word of God is not just a life advice book; it is the very essence of life itself. As Psalm 1 illustrates, when we are saturated with a biblical mindset, everything we do will prosper.

But we are not raising children with a biblical worldview.

In much of the Western church, we are not even raising children with a basic knowledge of Bible stories, let alone the theologies they point to. There is much work to be done.

If we fail in this, we prepare a generation to walk away from the Lord, as many before them have. This is not a side thought; it is the very essence of discipleship. Where we are not getting it right, we must correct ourselves, starting today.

The Importance of Truth

I recently spoke with a young Christian who was deconstructing his faith. When I asked him where he found truth, he told me his main source was his lived experience and what felt right to him. His second source was papers written by those with differing views from traditionalists. Notably, his source was not the Bible!

God’s word should always trump man’s opinion, and we must instil this in our children.

If knowing Bible stories, memorising verses, reading regularly, and loving the word are not enough, how can we ensure our children are rooted in the word? The starting point will be the list above, but it must not be the end point.

The ultimate goal must be that the Bible informs our actions and choices in life. Our children should be rooted in the word to understand the world, not the other way around. Remember, Jesus Christ is the Word. He embodies all of God’s revealed word lived out. When our children are rooted in the word, they are rooted in Christ.

Choosing the Right Curriculum

Choosing our curriculums carefully is crucial. Is there rigorous theology underpinning what we teach our children? Or are we offering them Gospel-light? Does the teaching focus on behaviour modification, or does it encourage a heart encounter with God? When reviewing the year's teaching, consider the emphasis. Does the message of the cross permeate throughout, or does it only appear at Easter?

If we feed our children spiritual junk food, we cannot expect them to become spiritually healthy.

Modelling Love for the Bible

Helping our children grow in love with the Bible comes as they witness our love for it. As the Lord reveals things to me through His word, I make it a point to share these insights with my family. My enthusiasm for new revelations often inspires them. My children would catch me reading the Bible in the morning, and they all read through the entire Bible at a young age—not because we forced them, but because enthusiasm is contagious.

The final step to being rooted is helping our children apply the word to their lives. We must encourage them to consider their thoughts and see if they align with how a child of God should view the world.

The Importance of Roots

A plant draws all its nutrients from where it is rooted. It does not bounce around from one location to another; it is fixed in one place. Its health is determined by the environment in which it grows. This is why it is essential for our children to be rooted in the word.

Many children in our society do not know the Gospel. We must take it to them. Many children in our churches do not know the Bible. We must teach it to them. We must also model what it looks like to live out the Bible.

Then, we will raise a generation who can stand firm in the days to come—immovable and unshaken by world events or personal challenges, fixed in God’s way.

By God’s grace, and with the help of His Spirit, we can achieve this. However, it will require more from us as we come alongside the children to encourage, model, and challenge them in their walk with the Lord.

After all, all Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness so that the servant of God will be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

The world may see them as strange, but the Lord will view them as holy—a generation that never bows the knee to the baals of this age.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

Review your teaching. Assess the impact on your children’s lives. Pray for God’s grace to raise such a generation. Together, we can cultivate a community that nurtures faith, understanding, and a deep-rooted love for the word of God. Let’s embark on this journey together, fostering a legacy of faith that will endure for generations to come.