Recently in class, we were discussing and sorting living things versus nonliving things. The living things need food and water, and they grow. Nonliving things do not need these things. I would definitely say I was comfortable and successful in my explanation and leadership on this topic.
As we were finishing and preparing to pack up for home, I had a student come ask me, “Mrs. Manley, is the Bible a living or nonliving thing?” Now, I want to point out we had placed books in the nonliving category. But he wasn’t asking about books, he wanted to know about the Bible specifically. One of the facts I want them to know about the Bible is that the Bible is the living Word of God. “For the word of God is living 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.” Hebrews 4:12
So, there you go! I paused and immediately said, “The Bible is a living thing.” This question has caused me to be refreshed about the Bible as a living thing. The message of the Bible is alive, active, sharp, powerful, and able to bring change to the heart. The Bible as an item is a nonliving thing. But, I would rather tell a child the truth about the life of the Bible than to cause confusion to him on where to categorize the message of the Word.
I love the way children think. I am encouraged that somewhere in all my dissertations about the Bible, that just maybe the words - living and Bible - stuck enough to cause a child to want clarity about where to place the Bible categorically.
At the end of the day, my prayer would be for these children – “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” Ps. 119:11
Where do I want my students to place God’s word? In their hearts!
No comments:
Post a Comment