You might be thinking, “My child cannot read yet,” or “I have enough to carry when I am running out the door.” I completely understand where you are coming from because when I am running out the door to church, I’m normally carrying cups, my backpack full of lesson plans, and a breakfast bar. I know I will forget my children’s Bibles because I have other things to carry.

I would encourage you to put your children’s Bibles on their seats in your car. Maybe do this on Saturday night so you won’t forget. Or you can place their Bibles in a bag you always bring to church, but why?

1. It is a good habit.

If your children don’t practice this now, it will be a difficult habit when they are older.
What do you tell your kids to do before bed every night? I am sure several things, but you definitely tell your children to brush their teeth. If they are younger, you might have to assist them, so they continue doing this habit as they get older.

Have you ever forgotten to brush your teeth? Maybe you arrived at work and thought, “Oh no, my teeth feel weird and gross. I forgot to brush my teeth.” When you forget to bring your Bible to church, it should feel weird too. Taking your Bible to church should be even more of a habit than brushing your teeth or brushing your hair. It should feel weird or strange when you don’t do it.

2. It allows your kids to participate in worship fully.

There are different elements of worship- singing, offering, the Lord’s Supper, and praying. If your children attend Sunday school or worship, having their Bibles in hand allows them to participate in worship on a greater level. As they open their Bibles in Sunday school or during worship, they will be able to participate in the service more fully.

3. Helps your kids learn to navigate through their Bibles.

The Bible is a complicated book that even adults struggle to navigate. If children have the proper practice and training, it will help them feel more comfortable with God’s Word as they grow. I know a lot of adults who cannot find the book of Obadiah, let alone know that it is a book. If children bring their Bibles to church, whether it is to Sunday school, Wednesday night Bible study, small group, or worship, it helps them understand how to navigate their Bible.

4. Use your Bible to help you face your battles at home.

Do you ever look through your Bible and see the little notes or highlights you have left over the years? Often, those highlighted verses or notes help you later in life. Maybe you look through the Psalms and see an encouraging verse you underlined. Or a verse you highlighted during a camp or retreat, and you remember how God changed your heart during that period of your life.

Teach your children to diligently study and worship God in church with their Bibles so they will go home and continue to use it during spiritual battles they will face.

5. If you don’t carry your sword to church, how will you carry it on your daily walk?

Have you ever heard of a Samurai? Samurai were an elite warrior class in Japan. They knew how to wield a samurai sword better than anyone else. They were well-trained and hard to beat. They knew everything about their sword and how to use it.

I often refer to my Bible as a sword when speaking to my children at home and church. God’s Word is a weapon Christians can use against sin in our lives. Hebrews 4:12 reminds us,

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

If you don’t create a habit of carrying your Bible to church, how will you be able to use it on your day-to-day walk against sin? Study the Bible at church and home so you can carry God’s Word wherever you walk in your heart.

6. We must be good students of God’s Word.

What are some supplies your kids take to school? A backpack, pencils, paper, books, a lunchbox, etc. I am sure you are prepared for school; shouldn’t your child be even more prepared to worship God at church? One way to be a good student of God’s Word is to bring the correct supplies to church. Make sure you are a good student of God’s Word by bringing your Bible to church.

Julie Donavan has served in children’s and preschool ministry for 16 years and is currently the children’s minister at Hollinger’s Island Baptist Church in Mobile, AL. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Jacksonville State University and a Master of Divinity from Beeson Divinity School. Julie has written discipleship resources and leadership training for Lifeway, The Baptist Paper, and the Alabama State Board of Missions. Called to ministry at age 9, she continues to serve faithfully alongside her husband, Connor, and their two young children.