While the National Bible Bee promises to be a financially rewarding experience for a select group of national finalists, it is important to keep in mind that every child or youth who hides God’s Word in his or her heart is a winner! This is why we want to strongly emphasize our overarching goal—to reach children and youth with the truth of God's Word, encouraging them to genuine spiritual growth, so that they may be effective ambassadors for Jesus Christ to the next generation.
"Learn it! Speak it! Live it!" is much more than a tagline. It is a constant reminder that as we work with these future ambassadors, we need to continually emphasize three very essential steps toward spiritual growth.
| Learn it! (Memorizing, Meditating, Reciting) As a motivator to youth to get on the path of Bible memorization, the Bible Bee is a launching pad parents and families can use to disciple their children. We want to help you teach them that, All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Speak it! (Sharing, Defending, Proclaiming) Memorizing God’s Word is only the beginning step in discipleship. As children and youth begin memorizing and reciting Bible passages, they need be encouraged to share God’s truth with others. But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear (1 Peter 3:15). God’s message to the world is meant to be shared; we are commanded to be the salt of the earth and to let our light shine before men, that the world may see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven (Matthew 5:13–16). Live it! (Giving, Loving, Ministering) You may have heard the exhortation to "Preach the gospel at all times—If necessary, use words." As our young ambassadors mature in Christ, they will learn that the only way to be true disciples is to completely surrender their lives to God and live out their faith. I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God (Romans 12:1–2). |
A Reminder for Parents, Guardians, and Leaders
We hope you will agree that the Bible Bee is much more than a Bible memory competition; it is a ministry designed to spur children and youth to learn, speak, and ultimately live out the Scriptures! The Bible is God’s handbook for life and the only sure foundation for genuine growth in Christ. For this reason, we desire for parents, guardians, and adult leaders to see this experience as an opportunity to model Christ-like attitudes. The attitude that you display will influence the contestants’ own attitudes to the Bible Bee Competition. Here are a few helpful reminders to prayerfully consider as you partner with us in the months ahead.
A Few Reminders
• While competing for awards is fun and exciting, the greatest reward is drawing near to God. Make every effort to help children and youth comprehend the power of the Bible passages they are studying (Hebrews 11:6).
• Only a small percentage of contestants will win awards; so, as the playing field narrows, encourage all contestants to cheer on the finalists and "rejoice with those who rejoice" (Romans 12:15).
• The greatest litmus test for our success is whether or not the contestants become "doers of the word, and not hearers only" (James 1:22). Those of us who are in positions of authority over contestants should keep in mind that this applies even more to us!
• The healthiest kind of competition is biblical competition. Perhaps the simplest way to define Biblical competition is "to give one's absolute best effort for God's glory and then leave the results entirely in His hands." Along the way, encourage the attitude of Christ in the lives and testimonies of contestants and all who participate in the Bible Bee. Let's strive to "imitate Christ" (1 Corinthians 11:1), "walk in the Spirit" (Galatians 5:25), and exhibit the fruit of the Spirit, which is "love, joy, peace, long suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Galatians 5:22–23).
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Family Devotionals
