Is the Bible at Home in Your Family?

Who has the final say in your home? Who settles disputes? Who decides right and wrong in your family?

Most Christian parents think they know the right answer: parents, who quote the Bible as their ultimate authority. But in a world that constantly denies that God created us and has authority over us, making God’s Word the authority in our homes demands much more than teaching children what to believe and how to act. Simply teaching the truths of creation and redemption is not enough; the Bible says we need to live and celebrate them.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. (Colossians 3:16)

The word dwell means “to abide, remain, or simply feel at home.” When the Word of God “feels at home” in the minds and hearts of those in your home, it will continue to teach each family member until thankfulness, laughing, and singing will be the norm. Psalm 119 explains this well.

Read It Together

How can a young man keep his way pure?
By guarding it according to your word. (Psalm 119:9)

What a wonderful lifelong memory to hear Dad’s or Mom’s voice reading Scripture during family devotions! Make sure to include key passages on creation and even delight in the chronological passages, such as Genesis 5 and 11. Show by your passion that you know God considers them important.

Memorize It Together

I have stored up your word in my heart,
that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11)

Do you want your family to experience unity of mind in Christ and victory over griping, anger, complaining, bitterness, arguing? Hide God’s Word in your hearts—it will keep you from sin.

Pray to Learn It

Blessed are you, O Lord;
teach me your statutes! (Psalm 119:12)

“Lord, give us understanding as we read your Word together.” Your eagerness to know the truth will be infectious, and your confidence that God wants to give wisdom, knowledge, and understanding will set the tone for your children.

Talk About It

With my lips I declare
all the rules of your mouth. (Psalm 119:13)

We think and talk about what we love. Dads and moms need to share what they are learning from God’s Word. Teens need to discuss what they are learning and ask about what they do not understand. Talk. Talk some more.

Rejoice in It

In the way of your testimonies I delight
as much as in all riches. (Psalm 119:14)

Learn to enjoy the Word of God! As the comforting truths from God’s revealed history of redemption—starting in Genesis—warm your heart, share that with your family. Rejoice that you have God’s wisdom at your fingertips.

Meditate on It

I will meditate on your precepts
and fix my eyes on your ways. (Psalm 119:15)

We all need to learn to think before we act or speak. So take the time to contemplate, ponder, mull God’s Word over in your mind. Meditate together and enjoy God’s blessing (Joshua 1:8)!

Remember It

I will delight in your statutes;
I will not forget your word. (Psalm 119:16)

If you faithfully read, memorize, discuss, and meditate on God’s Word together and ask God to help you understand it . . . you will remember it!

As the Word of God becomes a constant companion in your home, you will welcome its authority in your life, and it will clearly have the final say.

Does the Word of God feel at home in your home?