Learning the Language

When we start a new job, we have to learn the language. Everything from programs and job titles to the alphabet soup of acronyms. To be fully acclimated, we must know the history, the culture, the worldview, and even the inside jokes of this new group of people.

In the same way, as we are adopted into God’s family, we have to learn the language. We have to learn to think like our heavenly Father and communicate with him in our greatest joys, our everyday experiences, and our greatest sorrows. When Mary rejoiced over the Lord choosing her to be Jesus’s mother, she quoted Scripture. And when Jesus cried out in anguish of soul and body while he was dying on the cross, he used the ancient words of the psalmist, David.

The words we speak hold power. Speaking positive encouragement to your child lifts them up while speaking negative comments toward them tears them down. (And this goes for adults, too!) The ripple effects of these words goes far beyond just the sounds they make. In a more eternal sense, speaking God’s Word is a powerful and life-changing habit.

The Bible is referred to as the living word. Paul called it the “word of life” (Philippians 2:16). The writer in Hebrews says it is powerful. Peter says the word of God is living. So speaking these words—out loud, in quiet, in prayer—can literally speak life and hope into our situations.

We learn the language by meditating on and memorizing Bible verses.

I treasure your word

above all else;

it keeps me from sinning

against you.

Psalm 119:11 (CEV)

I deeply love your Law!

I think about it all day.

Psalm 119:97 (CEV)

When we allow God’s words to be deeply embedded into our minds and hearts, we hear his voice of comfort and direction clearly. We can fight spiritual warfare as Jesus did when the devil tempted him to sin. We transform our way of thinking. We have words for our prayers.

And when we help our children memorize Bible verses, it amplifies to generations. Just as we hear our parents’ voices in our heads for decades, our children will also be shaped by God’s words to them.

The good news is there are all kinds of aids for memorization available. Just doing a search on the internet brings up multiple methods, apps, and even temporary tattoos to help. Post-it notes, songs, or repetition in funny voices will get young minds to capture the words. Just as children can absorb new languages at a very young age, they can learn Scripture and experience its power to change lives.

So, as you are planning goals for the new year for you and your children, put “Learn a New Language” on the top of your list—begin memorizing Scripture together!

PRAY

Thank you, Lord, for adopting me into your family. Help us to learn your language and use your words in our lives. Amen.

TIME TO TALK

Conversation starter for kids: Provides you with questions and prompts to facilitate a time of applicable discussion with children to lead them towards knowing God and His Word more deeply.

Question(s): Why are words powerful? Can you think of a time when the words you said really made a difference?

Apply: Guide your kids to experience the power of God’s Word. Introduce the idea of memorizing Scripture as a family. Start learning verses about topics that interest you and your kids. Animals? Psalm 104. Love? 1 Corinthians 13. Protection? Psalm 91. Space? Job 38. Sports? 1 Corinthians 9. Make it fun!

KEEP IT GOING

Related passages: These additional verses will help parents expand Scriptural knowledge and place on the armor of God’s Word to tackle each day. Swipe to read the passages today.

Deuteronomy 6:6-9

Romans 12:2