When You Rise: Scripture Memorization: Ephesians 6:1

Obedience is a struggle around here. Sometimes Isaac is willing to oblige and other times he drives Matt and I to the brink of insanity. We memorized this very important verse in just a couple of days, and we've been reaping the benefits since. (And by benefits, I don't mean perfect obedience, just to clear up any confusion.) When I made the printables for Ephesians 6:1, I chose a "thumbs up" image to emphasize doing the right thing.

The other day, I told Isaac it was time to clean up and he didn't fuss at all! He just started cleaning up! I got excited and said, "Hey! You're doing the RIGHT thing! That's awesome! What does our verse say again?" He was more than willing to repeat it since he was being praised. I then remind him that he is doing just what the Bible says and that he's honoring God and Mommy by doing that. He was beaming and said, "I'm going to go tell Daddy!" I smiled as I heard the pitter patter of his feet running down the hallway and then him shouting, "Daddy! Daddy! I did the right thing!!!"

I can't emphasize what a blessing it has been in our family to use Scripture to guide our parenting. I love being able to praise my boys for doing something that is right based on the Word of God.

It also comes in handy when it's time for correction. Isaac gives me plenty of opportunities to use it for that as well. :) I won't candy coat it. He usually doesn't want to say his verse when I'm reminding him that he is not obeying and that he is doing the wrong thing. It doesn't always end all hunky dory, but I've got God's Word right there in front of me to remind ME that I'm doing the right thing in holding him accountable to obedience. Scripture isn't just for the little ones. God uses the verses I'm teaching Isaac all the time to convict, encourage and correct me.

We like to learn our new verses to music. For this one, we used a song off of Seeds Family Worship's newest cd, Seeds of Character. Seeds Family Worship is an incredible ministry that puts Scripture to high quality music. Here's our acapella rendition, but I highly recommend getting the cd for yourself! (To see it on YouTube, click here.)