A Powerful Punch

This week I’ve been re-immersed in the world of the young, visiting daughter Linnea’s family in Florida. That includes husband Adam and 4 young ‘uns: Skylar (6), Micah (5), Autumn (3), and Isaac (1).

Long-distance grandparenting has considerable limitations, and when I’m invited to join them day-to-day for a while, getting caught up with each one is a joyful process. Though this family traveled to see me in Michigan multiple times in 2014, it’s been a whole year since I’ve been to their home.

My 4 Florida grands are changing faster than I can keep up with. Take their home schooling, for example. This morning I audited their mommy’s history lesson at the dining table and learned all kinds of new things about World War II, Hitler, Stalin, the United Nations, the Cold War, Gandhi, India’s independence, the establishing of the Jewish State, Communism, Mao, and China. And that was all before lunch.

A thirst for knowledge is a wonderful thing, and watching children learn is a delight. But the day’s highlight for me came after school was all over. Actually, it was during a spat between Skylar and Micah. They were bickering about nothing in particular, shouting over each other, when suddenly Skylar said, “Micah! Harsh words make tempers flare!”

Her statement was right out of the Bible,* and I was pleased to hear her recite a previously-memorized verse. More than that, though, was the thrill of knowing she could apply it to everyday life. Linnea, preparing dinner nearby, added the first half of the same verse: “Yes, and a ‘gentle answer turns away wrath’.” Immediately their squabble ended, much like a balloon that’s been poked by a pin.

It reminded me of a scriptural comment about the effect of Jesus’ words on his listeners. “People were amazed at his teaching, for he spoke with authority.” (Luke 4:32) Though the Bible tells us he was an ordinary-looking man,** his hearers were amazed that his words packed such a powerful punch.

The Lord’s words still have that same punch, and I believe I saw it at work during Skylar and Micah’s argument. Though children may not be aware of it, when they quote the Bible to each other sincerely, they’re bringing supernatural power to bear on whatever’s going on at the time.

Not that every childhood argument will immediately stop when a verse is spoken, but it very well might be. God honors his Word and says it’s influential when verbalized.*** And when a child has been taught to respect and honor what he says, surely the impact is all the greater.