According to an American Bible Society survey, average household in the U.S. has 4.4 Bibles. More Bibles of every style and flavor imaginable are being published today than ever. There are Grandmother’s Bibles, Women’s Bibles, Men’s Bibles, Teen Bibles, Children’s Bibles, Life Application Bibles, Patriots’ Bibles, and dozens of study and devotional Bibles. In spite of this, 57% of us read it less than five times a year and most people can’t name the disciples, the name of one of the four Gospels, the Ten Commandments or the first book of the Bible. We are a biblical illiterate nation.

The fact that so few people know so little about the Bible is disturbing. More disturbing is the revelation in the ABS survey that 66% of Americans believe the Bible “contains everything a person needs to live a meaningful life,” yet 58% say they “don’t want wisdom and advice from the Bible.”

As a grandfather I can say with the apostle John that “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” (3 John 4). Yet, if I do not help them understand the importance of the Bible as God’s truth for all times, how shall I ever hope to see them walk in it? Parents are responsible for teaching their children, but so are grandparents. We must find a way to make the Bible something they want to know more about—to build a well-versed legacy, not merely a diet of Bible McNuggets (see John Stonestreet’s article: Beware Bible McNuggets). How do we stir a desire among our grandchildren to know God’s Word?

Here are five ideas that could be used to build a well-versed legacy in your family. These can be adapted to any age:

1. Make sure you are in the Word regularly. Read it, study it and meditate upon it. Share with your grandchildren some of the exciting discoveries God has shown you from your own study.
2. Create a Bible memorization challenge for your grandchildren. Pick age appropriate passages for them to memorize. Make it a fun experience by offering creative incentives such as points earned for each verse that can be applied to special prizes you pre-determine.
3. Regularly read Bible stories to your grandkids. Mealtime is a good time to do this, or before bedtime when they are at your house. Anytime is a good time if you make it meaningful.
4. Create some Bible quiz games. Try a Bible tic-tac-toe or Bible Trivial Pursuit (don’t make it too trivial). If you have been reading Bible stories together, use quiz questions related to those stories.
5. Visit the Biblica web site and consider using the Community Bible Experience with your family. The study uses a new and unique edition of Scripture (yes, I know, another Bible version) called The Books of the Bible. This edition has removed the chapters and verses that have been added throughout the centuries. All the books of the Bible have been re-arranged according to the historical context in which they were originally written making it easier to read larger sections and fully comprehend and experience the Bible’s power and meaning.

The key here is to be intentional in some way. God has spoken to us through His Word. It is the source of all wisdom and truth. A well-versed legacy means knowing what the Bible says and telling the next generations so they will know the truth and walk in it.

Do you have a well-versed legacy?

Perhaps you have some even better ideas. How are you cultivating a well-versed legacy for your family? Share them with us.