Teaching our children is something we must embrace with joy even while it is an effort that requires great work. But the hope of eternal reward in the form of regeneration of heart and newness of life is the goal of this magnificent effort — a reward with no rival or equal in payout.

Seeing my children show excitement about a biblical event, principle, or concept is one of the most rewarding things I get to observe in this life. Understanding concepts of sin, consequences of actions, failures of heroes who are nonetheless heroes, God’s mercy and deliverance, or remembering something the writer of an epistle may have said in another letter are among the great highlights and victories which I hope will prove foundational to our children taking their thoughts captive to the obedience of Jesus Christ.

In our home, we have four children under seven. Interaction is always exciting, and I seek to cultivate it that way. When we read through narratives, I read dynamically and play out the action because enthusiasm is something I want my children to associate with learning the ways of our mighty God.

Recently we read through I & II Thessalonians and Philippians – letters Paul wrote to people living in the region of Macedonia. In preparation for our study, we first read through Acts 17 as a precursor to the letters to the people of Thessalonica, and Acts 16 to provide context for the letter to the people of Philippi. Of course I wanted to seize the opportunity to show my children where these cities were located. So I turned on my projector, pulled up Google Maps, and got out my laser pointer!  Now the fun was to begin! As I pointed out Thessalonica, Philippi, Berea, Athens, and Corinth, my 5-year-old son said, “Papa, may I point?” I replied, “No, son, pay attention.” After two or three more appeals from my other children, I realized I was missing an opportunity. My children were enthusiastic about the laser pointer and getting to point it at the map. What I needed to do was take advantage of their enthusiasm and incorporate the lessons. That was about three weeks ago. Now, on a good day, my children, all under seven, can show me the locations of Egypt, the Sinai Peninsula, Israel, Iraq, Assyria, the region of Asia Minor, Ephesus, Colossae, Galatia, the region of Macedonia, Philippi, Thessalonica, Athens, Corinth, and Rome!

This is a victory! My children get to point, and I continue to train in the hope they will truly get the point!

May the Lord be pleased to bless His word as we seek to inculcate the hearts and minds of our children!