Five lessons on family Bible times (learnt the hard way!)

I write books of family Bible times and I want to inspire parents to raise their children knowing Christ, but my own family Bible times are rarely inspirational.

I have a photo (not shown here) of me leading our family Bible time. I am sat in the middle of the sofa with my Bible open. Two of my children are curled over the arms of the sofa, their backs to me. Only my youngest seems engaged, and that is because my arm is clamped round his waist so he can’t escape. I use this photo because it captures our normal. Here is what I have learnt, with my own family, through all the mistakes, frustration and confusion.

Focus on years, not moments.

I remember speaking to a friend about his experience growing up doing daily family Bible times. I wanted to hear how theirs had gone. He said: “I remember them happening. Maybe they weren’t every day. I remember not being that interested. I can remember the time Dad’s chair broke underneath him. I just knew they were part of our day. I am so grateful they were.” Settle for the mundane. Encourage engagement. Pray for a daily work of the Spirit. But just do them. Let it be their normal. Faith is for the years.