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biblical truths

Can a Two-Year-Old Be Taught Biblical Truths?

by Lee Ann Mancini


It can be a challenge teaching a self-centered two-year-old concepts that are necessary for day to day life, such as learning to use the toilet, or not biting their brother or sister. Likewise, it can be hard to teach them biblical truths that cannot be tangibly grasped. However, God’s word instructs us to

“Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” (Deuteronomy 6:7 NIV)

Lead your children

To impress God’s commandments on our children means we need to “mark, brand, mold, impact, influence, teach, love, lead, and disciple our children.”[1] God’s Word should leave a lifelong impression on their heart, soul, and mind. And also, to “bind them always on your heart; fasten them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you sleep, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you” (Proverbs 6:21-22).

As we understand what is commanded, the question remains can a two-year-old be taught biblical truths? How do you teach your child, and are your methods working?

Repetition

How can you teach your toddler to love Jesus with all his heart and mind? Should you wait until he is older? Why would you want to wait? Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me…” (Matthew 19:14) and, “Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it” (Mark 10:15). Jesus is referencing infants and toddlers. The word “babies” is translated from the Greek word brephos and is applied to children as young as eight days after birth.[2]

Young children love repetition, and it is essential to repeat biblical words and phrases all day long. This will help your child to not only verbalize but also to one day understand the biblical application. It can be quite humorous to hear their version of what they heard. One day, my son called my daughter a “Florida idiot.” I was shocked and asked him why he would call her that. With tears in his eyes, he reminded me that I had called her a “Florida idiot.” It was then that I realized he was trying to say Floridian. Although he did not know what the word Floridian meant at that time, he did eventually. Just as your child may not fully comprehend biblical terms, one day they will.

Biblical truths

A good way to instill biblical truths in young children is to recite breath prayers and phrases. Breath prayers are prayers you can say within one exhale. Here are just a few examples:

  • God is good
  • Jesus loves me all the time
  • God gives me friends
  • Jesus is always there
  • God made the pretty flower
  • Thank you, Jesus, for taking care of me
  • Thank you, Jesus, for Mommy and Daddy
  • I love you, Jesus

I call these “the moments that matter for the master.” They can be used to indoctrinate God and his Son Jesus, into a child’s heart, soul, and mind, as you prepare the soil so the seeds can be planted into fertile ground. Understanding biblical truth is ultimately God’s job. “A God who has been encountered in a real and personal way is neither boring nor shallow. He’s real, relational, and relevant. When a child has a heart encounter and connection with Jesus, it changes them. It imprints onto their very foundation, and they are never the same.”[1]

Start early

Teaching biblical principles early will allow you to build a foundation that will reject the evils of modern society. The prophet Jeremiah understood that God appointed him before his birth (Jeremiah 1:4-5). The prophet Samuel “…grew up in the presence of the Lord” (1 Samuel 2:21). The man after God’s own heart, King David, acknowledged God from birth and declared his trust in God (Psalm Timothy knew the Scriptures from the time he was an infant (2 Timothy 3:15). The Lord was the anchor and hope for these amazing men’s souls (Hebrews 6:19). Your child needs a solid anchor; a solid foundation of truth. They need to learn that their anchor will help keep them safe from turbulent winds and storms in times of trouble and the evil onslaught of corrupt media. Don’t wait until it’s too late!

 

[1] Art Murphy, The Faith of a Child, A Step-by-Step Guide to Salvation for Your Child, 36.

[2] Dr. Shirley K. Morgenthaler, Right From the Start, 25.

[3] Melissa J. MacDonald, Missing, An Urgent Call For the Church to Rescue Kids, 71.

 


Lee Ann Mancini is the award-winning children’s author, publisher, and executive producer of the Sea Kids books and TV series. She is a renowned speaker and Bible college professor whose passion is to help parents raise their children to have a strong foundation in Jesus. 
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