“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)

If you were training in the winter for a marathon and owned a treadmill, would you leave it untouched, collecting dust? Would you stop seeing your personal trainer? Would you keep your running shoes tucked away in the closet and wear sandals to train instead?

Of course not — we would use all the tools we’re given to reach the goal we’re training for.

But it’s so easy for many of us as believers to miss the opportunity to use the resources we’ve been given when we leave our Bibles on the shelf.

If you look around your house, you’ll probably find more than one copy of God’s Word lying about on bookshelves, nightstands and coffee tables. Many Christian homes have multiple versions — Bibles in leather or hardcover, study Bibles, even journaling Bibles with space for artwork.

We have so many options for reading and studying the Word of God, yet so often we end up looking elsewhere for help. Listen to what the Apostle Paul wrote in a letter to young Timothy, whom he discipled in ministry:

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:14-16, ESV).

“Able to make you wise,” and “profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” All of these attributes of Scripture play a part in training us to run the race of faith well. The Bible tells us why God’s Word is meant to be used, understood, and treated like a source and a resource, not a decoration on the shelf.

In other words, Paul was saying to Timothy: Don’t stop studying and reminding yourself of what you’ve learned about who God is and what He’s done for you through Jesus. Everything He wants us to know about Him and His love for us has been recorded for us by those whom the Lord used specifically to do the job. Keep on keeping on with those truths at the center of your life. They will make you wise because of Jesus and not because of yourself. They will be your source for anything good you have to teach others. And when you have to say hard things to help someone (including yourself) turn away from sin, the Word of God will keep you in line with what is most useful in helping people change and grow up in godliness.

The same is true for me and for you.

It’s easy to give up or not even try when we think we won’t be good at something. And that’s exactly why we have to be intentional about spending time with God and His Word.

Just like your family, my family needs Jesus, and we need to see His sanctifying work in each of our lives every day. We do this by making family worship a priority.

It doesn’t have to be formal or perfect. We keep our family worship simple with just two elements: God’s Word and prayer.

Sometimes we gather right after dinner, but after a long day, we usually circle up on the floor in someone’s room before bed. Don’t strive for ideal — just start somewhere. As G.K. Chesterton was known to say: “If a thing is worth doing, it is worth doing badly.”

Are you ready to lace up your sneakers and walk with your family in all that you’ve been given through the Word of God?

Lord, help me be intentional with my family and point them to Jesus with the tools and resources You’ve given, even when — especially when — it’s not perfect. May my children grow to know and love You more and more. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

TRUTH FOR TODAY

Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” (ESV)

Deuteronomy 6:6-7, “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” (ESV)

RELATED RESOURCES

We want our children to become Christ followers, obedient to His commands and fruitful in their faith, but where do we begin? Though there isn’t a formula for raising godly kids, Ruth Chou Simons and Troy Simons’ new book, Foundations: 12 Biblical Truths to Shape a Family, invites you to direct your family one day at a time as you explore key truths that will help connect your children’s hearts — and yours — to the heart of God. Learn more about Ruth and Troy's heart, books and art!

CONNECT

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Enter to WIN your very own copy of Foundations by Ruth Chou Simons and Troy Simons. To celebrate this book, Harvest House will give away 5 copies! Enter to win by leaving a comment here. {We’ll randomly select 5 winners and notify each one in the comments section by Monday, March 16, 2020.}

REFLECT AND RESPOND

What’s one thing you and your family can do to train yourselves in God’s Word? Share your ideas in our comments!

Founders of GraceLaced.com, Ruth Chou Simons and her husband, Troy Simons, are the grateful parents of six boys who also serve alongside each other in their ministry and business. Connect with them at their website, ruthandtroy.com.

© 2020 by Ruth Chou Simons. All rights reserved.

Proverbs 31 Ministries thanks Harvest House Publishers for their sponsorship of today’s devotion.

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