Praise Him, All Ye Little Children

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. ~John 3:16 ESV

Last week I had the privilege of participating in a sidewalk VBS. Our youth pastor taught the children a song for John 3:16. He taught them how to sign the song as well. Most of the children were under eight years old from a basically unchurched community. They easily learned the words and the motions. I thought not only will the children keep singing but even the deaf will hear from children who likely were too young to understand. The children will hold that song/verse in their heads and hearts for years to come. The children enjoyed the singing. They enjoyed the signing and they enjoyed the youth pastors approach to singing and teaching. This was like giving water to thirsty little sponges. 

 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

~Psalms 100:5 KJV

In college, we learned that we needed to teach in multiple ways. If we only lectured student retention was only about 10%. However, if we incorporated other ways of teaching such as note-taking, drawing, making models, reading along, retelling, and singing retention could rise as high as 90%. A teacher who only lectures is easily tuned out. When students are allowed to interact with the lesson it becomes much more enjoyable and much easier to remember. Remember that song about the books of the New Testament? I still sing it to myself when I need to find a smaller, lesser known book. 

The Lord expects us to use more than one way to help our children and ourselves to learn about his word. The longest book of the Bible is Psalms, a book of songs. All of creation tells the story of His love and sacrifice for us. Sometimes we just have to think about what we are encountering. And God has given us His word so there is no mistake about what he has done, is doing, and will do because of his great love for us. 

How are you teaching God's truth to the next generation?

Father, help us use every means possible to teach your truth to our children and others you place in our paths. In Jesus's name. Amen.

Hey Kids:

What is your favorite song? Why do you like it?  

Do you know John 3:16? Can you sing it and sign it? 

Do you know the song Coat of Many Colors by Dolly Parton? Do you know a Bible story about a coat of many colors? Who is it about? What do you know about Joseph? How can you learn more?

What other Bible stories do you know? How did you learn them? 

Here's a link to help you have fun singing and learning this week.