Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 21
April 16, 1970
NUMBER 49, PAGE 1-2b

"How Readest Thou?"

Floyd Embree

As I sat in the doctor's waiting room it was interesting to watch people, listen to their conversations, and see their reactions to different things. Across the room sat a young mother with a little boy of approximately three years. She was reading a child's story book to him to pass away time while waiting to see the doctor. When she would hesitate in her reading, immediately the little boy would urge, "Mommy, read more!" He was thoroughly absorbed in her reading.

I teach reading in junior high school. I have a great number of students in eighth grade who can't intelligently read a fifth grade book. To this group, nothing is more boring than to be handed a book and be told to read. Of this group, I found that, without exception, none of them had parents (or older brothers or sisters) who sat down and read to them when they were very young. These kids aren't dumb, but they have little desire to learn to read now.

I also have some exceptionally good readers in the eighth grade. Without exception, I found that their parents and older brothers and sisters did much reading to them when they were very young. They are avid readers. I think I see a very vital connection there in the success of the child's educational career.

In teaching Bible classes for over a third of a century, I find adult church members have much trouble reading and comprehending the scriptures. I think often of the advice the late N. B. Hardeman gave to his preaching students. He urged them to read the scriptures to the people then put it into words they could understand. One has to be a good reader and have a thorough knowledge of the scriptures to do this, but it is vital. (See Acts 8:31)

In the story of the good Samaritan, when the lawyer came to Jesus and tempted him, saying, "Master, what must I do to inherit eternal life?" Notice Jesus' answer: "What sayest the law? How readest thou?" This man was a reader of the law by profession. Jesus expected him to exercise his ability. He should be able to read most intelligently. How many of us can read the scriptures meaningfully either orally or silently? How many want to hear the scriptures read meaningfully? I have heard a few gospel preachers read the scriptures and they hardly needed comment or explanation after they read them. They came alive! Reading is an art!

I grew up in an era when we had very little reading material other than the family Bible. It was rare that we even saw a "funny paper." One of my earliest recollections, and most pleasant, is that of my mother sitting and reading to me from the New Testament. I loved for her to read the teachings of Christ. (She had a red-letter edition). When I was eleven, I was given a Bible story book. My cousin and I wore it out carrying it in our cotton sacks and reading when we stopped to rest — or found our dads not watching. It was fascinating!

How many Christians, parents of young children, are as wise now with their children as the one I observed in the doctor's waiting room. How often do you sit down and read to them from the Bible? It will fascinate them. How well can you read the Bible to them? (Practice will help!) I think I see a very vital connection there in the child's religious educational career! Do you want your child to grow up to love the Lord and be faithful to Him? Then, "how readest thou?"

— Route 1, Box 570 A, Yuma, Arizona