In classic military style, I dutifully dressed in my camouflage jacket, my hat, and my megaphone. Other than those items, all I needed for this active duty assignment was my manual. Boot camp music kicked in as I lined up my 42 troops precisely on time—just as we did every morning this day of the week. We had the next 30 minutes to learn details from the extremely critical handbook that could possibly mean life or death for future battles. The time and information I was about to impart to those children standing before me may not be appreciated or completely understood, but one day it will be. Teaching the power of hiding God’s Word in their heart is one way I can assure victory.

In sergeant voice, I began our drills. Their voices answered back with bold volume, as their faces were stern and their bodies actively used motions with each answer:

The Word of God is? “Good stuff!”

What does it tell us? “The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God!”

What does it do? “Ephesians 6 tells us the Bible is a sword to fight our battles!”

What is the layout?  “There are two parts: The Old Testament is before Jesus, and the New Testament is after Jesus!”

How many books are there? “Sixty six!”

What are the books of the Bible? (They recited from the memory or list.)

Are they in order? “No ma’am!”

How are they divided? “Law, history, poetry and prophets, gospels, history, letters, and prophecy!”

What happens when you read your Bible? They then sang “Read your Bible, Pray Every Day” song.

Where is your allegiance? “I pledge allegiance to God’s Holy Word. I will make it a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path. I will hide His Word in my heart so I might not sin against God.”

Sound off!  “1-2!”

Sound off!  “3-4”

Bring it on down now!  “1-2-3-4 … God’s Word, good stuff!”

There are many options to choose from when it comes to teaching our children today. But I believe there is no greater focus for us than prioritizing the Word of God. When we choose to lead students in understanding their Bible, followed by memorizing it, they will have what they need to actively follow it in daily life.

Ask yourself these two basic questions:

1. Do the children you lead understand the overview and layout of the Bible? The Bible teaches us to, “Meditate on it day and night. Then you will be prosperous and successful” (Joshua 1:8, NIV) Unfortunately, not all children know how to do this. The first step is for them to have a clear view of the Book as a whole. If they don’t know the format, the Bible can seem overwhelming and segmented. Find ways such as the example above. (Click to see the video of our time together to implement basic layout understanding.)
   
2. Is your approach to Scripture memorization working? If you were to ask a child to recite a verse from a couple of months ago, would he or she be able to recall it? The Psalmist declares, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you” (Psalm 119:11, NIV). We are reminded the value of embedding the Word of God into hearts for long-term use. Allow for repetition not only weekly/monthly for learning, but also go back to past verses for review from time to time. New kids may learn memory verses for first time, and others will continue to build their heart for recalling the Word in the time of need.
   

While children’s ministry battles are not always easy to fight, there is one way you can assure to win: Teach the children under your influence the Word of God. Aside from the creativity and fun, strategize your preparation to include an understanding of the whole Book and tools to repeat memory verses so that they will be in their heart for life.

They may not always have you as their “sergeant,” but they will never forget what you have taught them from the Handbook of Life, and that is true victory!