I recently received an amazing letter in response to a post about having children copy Scripture as a form of discipline. When I implemented the practice at the school where I was a young principal several parents expressed concerned, “Forcing kids to copy Scripture might make them hate the Bible.”
I could see their point but, “Making my kids eat vegetables might make them hate veggies. Forcing them to go to school might make them hate school. Making them go to bed early might make them hate going to bed at a decent hour.”
There are all sorts of things we force our kids to do because it’s good for them even though they don’t like it. I decided 2 Timothy 3:16 was reason enough to make kids copy Scriptures appropriate to the problems they were having.
After that post I heard from one of the upper elementary school girls who “suffered” from having to copy Scripture. Remembering who she was in elementary school and reading how this affected her literally brought tears to my eyes. I thought you might enjoy hearing Wilma’s take:
“As a child with undiagnosed A.D.D., I was in trouble very often. I am thankful for all the times I was sent home to write verses. I received alternative punishments to write dictionary words sometimes, as well!
Let me tell you! I would compare different versions of the Bible and search out short verses, but I read pages to get there! I read more of the Bible while choosing my scripture to copy than I ever read in classes. Same with the dictionary! In fact, once in public school for middle and high school, I attribute my success to those consequences.
Spanking did little good for me, as I got that so often at home that I never really knew why I was in trouble, but Scripture writing really guided my spiritual growth. I never resented the assignments, always recognized my wrongs, and I believe I always completed my 10 verses, 10 times each.”
Let me encourage you to continue to “torture” you kids by making them do things they don’t like – eat veggies, do homework, go to school, go to church, even copy Scriptures to hide the word of God in their hearts.
I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
Psalm 119:11
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