How can we understand?

Last Friday I attended a patriotic production at Abel's school.  Kindergarten through grade three were involved in singing, dressing up in costumes of American historical figures, and reciting lines.  Abel was J.F.K. and wore a cute little suit for the occasion.  I was impressed with the kindergarten classes which recited the Preamble to the United States Constitution verbatim, a feat which I did not do until eighth grade!  I memorized it during Mr. Kennedy's history class at Emerald Junior High during a single class with the assistance of the School House Rock jingle!  "We the people of the United States in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, promote domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do proclaim and establish this Constitution of the United States of America."

Listening to these five and six-year-old children recite the Preamble was pretty amazing.  It reminded me of reciting and listening to people recite Bible verses in Awanas or Sunday School.  Having grown up attending church, many people through the years have rewarded children for their ability to memorize scripture.  It was not so much memorization for the sake of truth but for rewards like patches, pencils, stickers, and gum.  But as I listened to these children repeat five-dollar words they could not possibly understand I thought, I wonder if one of those children could explain to me what is significant about the Preamble.  I wonder if they could explain a single word of it, say "tranquility."  I seriously doubt they would be able.  This brought me to my second thought:  Understanding something is more critical than repeating it word for word.  Yet it is paramount to apply truth to my life than to just repeat it or even understand it.

I remember hearing J. Vernon McGee talk about what it means to hide God's Word in your heart.  When most people reference Psalm 119:11 which says, "Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You!" it is used to prop up the concept of rote memorization.  McGee refuted this notion, saying that when God's Word is hidden in your heart it will be evidenced in a consecrated life lived out for God according to His truth.  The Pharisees memorized the entire Torah word for word!  They had all the words in order, and even had a working knowledge of what the words meant.  They searched the scriptures daily, thinking they had in them eternal life.  It seems like many Christian parents these days feel good about having their kids memorize scripture because the truth is going in.  This is true - to a point:  it would be better to have a child be able to explain John 3:16 than to rattle off the entire Gospel of John without understanding.

Kids are so good at acting for the benefits of their teachers and parents - to their own hurt.  "Do you understand?" you ask your child.  Based on your tone and look they can see you are upset, and they do not want you upset.  This could potentially make their lives difficult.  So the child will nod, looking very serious.  In Sunday School many kids love to read their Bibles out loud.  Some labor through reading, while others breeze easily through the passage.  But just because a kid can read a word, it doesn't mean he understands it:  just because he can remember a definition, doesn't mean he has personally applied that truth in faith!  How many teachers and parents rest easy at night without bothering to pray for their children or students because of good conduct and works at church or school!  Do not fall for this ploy of Satan!  We need to pray for our kids!  Scripture must be broken down and explained slowly and carefully so all will understand.

To memorize is good, but understanding is better.  There is great value in committing scripture to memory.  But take care that you do not substitute memorization for understanding.  Repeating a verse does not give you mastery over the truth it contains.  It must be lived out!  And even verses which are understood on a foundational level contain deeper and deeper layers of truth only revealed through the power of the Holy Spirit.  The Ethiopian Eunuch was an avid reader, and read aloud Isaiah from his chariot.  Yet when Philip asked him if he understood what he read the eunuch said, "How can I unless someone explains it to me?"  We cannot discern spiritual truth without the help of the Holy Spirit.  When we open our Bibles, let's invite Him to teach us.  He will also help us to teach our children in the way they should go so they will not depart from it.