Keep it Simple

When I was a boy in my father's house, still tender, and an only child of my mother, he taught me and said, "Lay hold of my words with all your heart; keep my commands and you will live.  Proverbs 4:3-4

Often in our attempts to teach the magnificent and wonderful things of God to our children, it is important to keep it simple. And, since the Lord Jesus did say that we all are to receive the kingdom of heaven like little children, let me share just a few simple things we occasionally use with our boys that are some great truths we can all benefit from knowing:

 

The Five Solas of the Reformation

Sola Scriptura: Scripture Alone

Sola Fide: Faith Alone

Solus Christus: Christ Alone

Sola Gratia: Grace Alone

Soli Deo Gloria: Glory to God Alone

(Sorry, you would have to ask my son how to pronouce these Latin phrases.) 

A spiritual math equation and title of one of Tullian Tchividjian's recent books: 

"Jesus + Nothing = Everything"

I often ask my boys: What is most important?? And have taught them to respond:

# 1 -  Love God.

# 2 -  Love People. 

It's amazing how these simple truths can clear up a whole host of issues in our home!  Try them out for yourself, and if you have some of your own, share them with us.