Another dangerous practice that, throughout the centuries, has seriously harmed the Lord’s church is that of parents ignoring the Biblical education of their children. This has been a serious problem for a long time. From the days of the Old Testament, God has emphasized the responsibility of parents to instruct their children in His Word (Deut. 6:6–7; 11:18–19). However, despite this clear teaching, there are congregations that have been deeply affected because parents have failed to educate their children in the knowledge of God’s Word.

For example, there are parents who are content with simply sending their children to Sunday and Wednesday classes but fail to provide instruction in their own homes, forgetting that the primary responsibility rests on them and not exclusively on the church (Eph. 6:4; Prov. 22:6). There are parents who, when their children make mistakes, do not correct them properly—that is, according to the Word of God (Prov. 13:24; 29:15). There are also parents who do not believe in discipline to help their children; such have adopted the ways of the world instead of what God teaches through His Word (Heb. 12:5–11).

Likewise, some parents do not speak about God at home, do not read the Scriptures with their children, nor encourage spiritual conversations, thus neglecting one of the most important tools for shaping faithful hearts (Deut. 6:7; Ps. 78:4–7). Others allow worldly influences—such as bad company or inappropriate entertainment—to shape their children’s character more than the Word of God (1 Cor. 15:33; Rom. 12:2). All of this, in one way or another, affects the work of the Lord.

We must remember that children are the present and the future of the church. They are the ones who will continue the Lord’s work once their parents are no longer alive (Ps. 127:3–5). Therefore, parents must be concerned about the Biblical education of their children, since this will help them in their personal and spiritual lives, guiding them in the right path (Prov. 3:5–6; Eccl. 12:1).

In what ways can we take an active role in the Biblical education of our children? The following are some ways in which this can be accomplished.

We educate our children:

1. By setting a good example of faithfulness to God (1 Tim. 4:12; Matt. 5:16; Phil. 3:17).
2. By taking time to counsel them in the way of the Lord (Titus 2:6–8; Ps. 119:24; Prov. 4:1–4).
3. By praying together as a family (Eph. 6:18; Col. 4:2; 1 Thess. 5:17).
4. By encouraging them to memorize the Scriptures (Ps. 119:9, 11; Prov. 7:1–3; Col. 3:16).
5. By encouraging them to be present at the worship services of the church (Heb. 10:24–25; Matt. 6:33; Ps. 122:1).
6. By encouraging them to be diligent students of the Word of God (2 Tim. 2:15; Acts 17:11; 2 Tim. 3:14–15).
7. By encouraging them to love God with all their being (Mark 12:30; Deut. 10:12; Josh. 24:15).
8. By correcting and disciplining them with love according to God’s will (Eph. 6:4; Prov. 22:15; Heb. 12:7).
9. By protecting them from negative influences and guiding them to choose good company (Prov. 1:10; 1 Cor. 15:33; Ps. 1:1–2).
10. By teaching them to fear God and keep His commandments (Eccl. 12:13; Prov. 1:7).

These are only some of the ways we can be actively involved in the Biblical education of our children. I am more than sure that all parents desire for their children to do well and one day be in heaven with God. However, for this to become a reality, as parents we must continually be concerned that our children know God and remain faithful to Him in all things (John 17:3; Rev. 2:10).

If this is not done, we will suffer as we see a generation that does not know God nor the great works He has done throughout the ages (Judges 2:10–11; Hosea 4:6). May God grant us the wisdom to diligently care for the Biblical education of our children (James 1:5).