Little ones and the Bible
Many years back, Greg taught a class on the Westminster Catechism. There was a pre-test during the first class. One of the questions asked, “What is sin?” The test was fill-in-the-blank, essay style and made for some interesting answers. One answer to the sin question we’ll never forget was, “What Satan made up.”

Which reminds me of another story back when my oldest was just three-years-old. We have fire ant piles here in Florida. The burning consequence for stepping in one of these is swift and painful. After one distressing episode, my son asked, “If God is good, then why did He make fire ants?” The problem of evil concerns us whether we’re young or old.

Catechisms don’t make the answers any easier or more palatable to difficult questions, but insofar as they are faithful to Scripture, we can learn proper doctrine and correct thinking on sticky matters.

The children’s catechism version that we use answers the matter of sin like this:

Q. 28. What is Sin?
A. Sin is any want of conformity unto, or transgression of the law of God.

Q. 29. What is meant by want of conformity?
A. Not being or doing what God requires.

Q. 30. What is meant by transgression?
A. Doing what God forbids.

I won’t make the case for catechism memorization, because I think that daily, faithful reading of the Scriptures to young children is more important. But if they’re begging for more, why not add catechism discussion and memorization to your family time? If nothing else, I can answer the children with more than, “I don’t know. Go ask your dad!”

Sometimes.

A reminder to live well, finish well…

The fretting friction of our daily life
Heart-weariness with loving patience borne
The meek endurance of the inward strife
The painful crown of thorn
Prepare the heart for God’s own dwelling place
Adorn with sacred loveliness His shrine
And brighten every inconspicuous grace
For God alone to shine.
Mary E. Atkinson

This diner’s open

Knox doesn’t know where his dog food is, but he can read?
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