The last few months have been a total blur of disorganization and chaos. It’s been tough. If you’re anything like me, you can’t wait to get back into a normal routine. Well, here we are—September. The smell of sharpened pencils, apples and woodsmoke is in the air, and the chance to get back into some sort of routine is upon us.

But even though everything has been so chaotic, there were good moments, too. And there were things I want to keep doing as we start the new school year. One of those things is the amount of time I spent reading and studying the Bible. Not just for me, but for my boys, as well.

So where do we start? How do I get a five- and three-year-old to sit through Exodus or Leviticus? How do I help them understand the words and learn to apply the truths of Scripture to their little lives? Spoiler alert: it’s easier than you may think.

First, there are a few things to remember:

1. There is no “junior” Holy Spirit. We all have the same access to God, no matter what our age.
2. This is important—really important—for your kids.
3. Have grace with yourself and your kids. It’s not always perfect.
4. Make it a priority and build it into your daily routine (refer to point 2).
5. Have fun! The Bible is full of some really cool and fun stories. Show your kids that the Bible isn’t boring!

Once you’ve got those down, the next step is to have a plan. We’re pretty good at making sure our kids are prepared for the day—we wake them up, make them get dressed and feed them some semblance of a breakfast. But it’s important to make sure they’re prepared for life and the world as well.

1. Pick a time of day when you are going to study. For younger children, it could be five minutes at breakfast. For older kids, maybe it is a longer time before bed.
2. Pick a topic or a Bible book to go through.
3. Don’t just read the Bible—talk about it, ask questions and help them apply it. Use resources.
4. Be consistent. Consistency (with grace) is key to building any good habits.

We are studying the Book of Galatians this month, which talks about the importance of grace compared to the law. One of the key passages is about the “fruit of the Spirit” (see Galatians 5:22-23), which show us, as Christ followers, what our attitudes and actions should look like as we grow closer to God. That’s why it’s just as important for kids, so they can understand what type of behaviour pleases God.

Remember that whole point about application? I don’t know about you, but this is the hardest part for me with my boys. Instead of using a chore chart and giving out stickers when they complete a task, we use a reward chart when they demonstrate the fruit of the Spirit. Ultimately, they will learn how to make their beds and take out the garbage, but we also need to teach them godly characteristics.

Free Galatians Bible Study Here

Free Fruit of the Spirit Kids Cards Here

Free Kids Reward Chart Here

Captain Bhreagh Rowe is the community ministries officer at St. Albert Church and Community Centre in Edmonton.

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