Forcing Kids to Practice?
Q. My parents forced me to learn karate, take tennis lessons and practice the piano. I hated it and swore I’d never do that to my kids. Any reasons we should from the Bible’s point of view?
Answer:
Thanks for your question. Surprisingly, our short article on the “Discipline of Arts, Music, and the Sciences” received several comments from readers – some pro and others con. You’ll find this article in the Kid’s Zone section.
In our opinion and from a biblical point of view, children should be required to practice and develop several skills. This is the way they can become familiar with the gifts God gave them. Perhaps someday they will become professional workers at one of the skills you helped them to develop.
Genetic Biblical Skills
Genesis 4:20 states that Jabal “was the first of those who raise livestock and live in tents.” Verse 21 notes that Jubal is “the first of all who play the harp and flute.” Verse 22 notes that Tubal-cain became “an expert in forging tools of bronze and iron.”
These passages suggest that working at farming and agriculture, metal workers and musicians all have genes that make them stronger in these particular areas. The founders of these skills are called “Fathers” in the NASB and ESV translations:
Jubal “was the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe” (v. 21).
This suggests a genetic proclivity to do certain things.
Perform Skillfully God-Given Gifts
In a surprising twist for those unskilled guitar players or keyboard players who think they need no lessons and no practice to play for the Lord, Psalm 33:3 says,
“Sing a new song of praise to him. Play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy.”
To “play skillfully” literally means in Hebrew “to do well in playing music.” It suggests musical expertise and perhaps years of practice!
Stewardship
It means we have a stewardship to develop those skills God gave us as gifts. In reality, Psalm 33 encourages musicians to work hard at developing their musical abilities and other skills. Not only can we play instruments well with lots of good practice, but we can play joyfully, too.
Psalm 150 almost shouts to us:
“Praise him with a blast of the
ram’s horn,
praise him with the lyre and
harp!
Praise him with the
Tambourine and dancing,
praise him with strings and
flutes!
Praise him with loud
clanging cymbals.
Let everything that breathes
Sing praise to the LORD!
Praise the LORD!”
In his seminal theological treatise, Heaven, Randy Alcorn states:
Music, dancing, storytelling, art, entertainment, drama, and books have played major roles in human culture. Will they remain a part of our lives on the New Earth? I’m convinced the answer is yes.
…Music is transcendent – a bridge between this world and another. That’s why people devote so much of themselves to it and gain such pleasure in it. We love the rich and varied rhythms and harmonies. In Heaven God will unleash our creativity, not confine it. As a musical novice, I might compose something worthy of Bach. And what kind of music do you suppose Bach will compose?
(2004, 419-420).
Wondrous City
Let your children dream about their future in the “largest city that has ever existed – the capital city of the New Earth. The New Jerusalem will be a place of extravagant beauty and natural wonders.It will be a vast Eden, integrated with the best of human culture, under the reign of Christ” (Alcorn 2004, 255).
As the psalmist cries out, I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live (Ps. 104:33).
Won’t you assist your children in learning how to participate in this glorious, eternal future city called New Jerusalem? Then don’t shrink back from disciplining them to become productive adults today!
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References:
Alcorn, Randy. 2004. Heaven. Carol Stream, Ill: Tyndale.
Holy Bible, New Living Translation. 2007. Carol Stream, ILL: Tyndale.
Roberts, Mark D. Play skillfully. Available from: http://www.thehighcalling.org/Library/ViewLibrary.asp?LibraryID=5078
Ryrie Study Bible, NASB. 1996. Chicago: Moody.