5 Steps to Building Christ-Like Character–One Bible Verse at a Time©

May 2, 2016 | Convention, Curriculum, Encouragement, God's Plan, Uncategorized

by Barbara Bormuth Witt
33rd Annual Convention speaker

Have you ever tried to wrap your head around the fact that “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”? (John 1:1) Can we ever fathom the greatness of the Word and of Jesus? I think it’s beyond human comprehension. But one thing I do know is that the Word is powerful. Nothing convicts me more than the pure Word of God. Correct me by quoting me Scripture and I stand corrected–no questions asked. Better still is when the Holy Spirit corrects me by bringing a Bible verse to mind. God is amazing that way–He loves us so.

Correct Using God’s Word
Our children are no different. Correcting them using God’s Word holds infinitely more weight than a lecture from mom or dad. Better stil
Biblel is when the Holy Spirit Himself brings a verse to our child that sets him or her on the right path.

This is why memorizing Bible verses is so important. Storing the Bible in our hearts transforms us, allowing the Holy Spirit to mold us, building our character into the likeness of Christ.

Would you like God’s Word to mold your children’s character, transforming them into honorable men and women who walk in peace and love? Would you like your children to burn brightly for Jesus, attracting others to Christ with their joy and hope? I certainly would. God’s Word can do this and you can help. Here’s how:
  1. Pray. Ask the Lord for the character qualities He wants to develop in your children. Pray for the most important one and start with it.
  2. Find Bible verses about that character quality. Select a verse about the blessings of that character quality. Select another verse about the consequences of lacking it. For example, for the blessings of humility, you might select, “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” (James 4:10) For the consequences of lacking humility you might pick, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18) Hint: do a search for the character quality in a site like biblegateway.org.
  3. Learn and memorize the Bible verses with your children. Set aside special times of togetherness to have fun digging into God’s Word. Discuss the meaning of each word. Act the verse out, draw it, sing it – be creative. Hint: WalkingBible.org has lots of free Scripture songs.
  4. Use the Bible verses to praise and correct. Celebrate progress, and gently correct missteps, by quoting the verses to your children. Don’t be surprised when your child quotes a verse or two to you.
  5. Pray and Believe. Pray for your children – the Lord hears your prayers. Believe in the power of God’s Word to transform lives. God’s Word WILL achieve the purpose for which He sent it – it never returns empty.Isn’t this why we homeschool–so that we can bring Jesus and His Word into every part of our family? In Psalm 119:11 David wrote, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Help build your children’s character by hiding Scripture in their hearts.
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(Scripture quotations are from the New International Version).
(References to websites and resources not created by Lord’s Press or Barbara Bormuth Witt are for your information and are not necessarily an endorsement of content).
© copyright April 2016

Barara Bormuth Witt is the author of Who Says You Can’t Memorize?! Fun Ways to Learn Bible Verses. She will be speaking on fun and effective memorization techniques at the 2016 CHEA Convention. Learn more at lordspress.com and WhoSaysYouCantMemorize.com

View the complete Convention workshop grid here.

 

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