There is something else you need to be aware of as you embark upon the journey of discipling your children.
Your Kid’s Discipleship Is Rooted In Teaching.
Take a look at the beginning of Deuteronomy 6:7: “You shall teach them diligently to your children...”
Most of us don’t get super excited about teaching but then again, we don’t get too excited about parenting often times either. There are many days where parenting feels more like a duty than a delight (Can I get an amen!?).
But obviously if we ARE parents, then we have been CALLED to parent. And God says that if you have been called to parent, you have been called to TEACH those you are parenting. Correct me if I am wrong but you have no problems teaching them about fashion, fishing and football, right?
The means by which our kids are primarily discipled happens within the home, with you! Not through church, or youth group, or awana programs, or summer camps, or story books, or anything else. It happens at home through your diligent teaching and diligent living.
How did any of us learn anything growing up? We were taught; by our teachers, our parents, our pastors, and our coaches.
But this is where we get stuck. We aren’t teaching our children. Why? We love them, don’t we? And we want them to know and love Jesus, don’t we? We wouldn’t be here in this position if not, right?
Before we talk about our lack of competency (which is important to note and something we will be helping you with a lot in the near future) or the lack of tools and resources (likewise, important to note and likewise something we will be providing for you) we must first talk about the elephant in the room.
The primary reason we are not teaching our children is because we ourselves are not worshipers. We have to keep coming back to this. When worship happens, teaching happens! When we feel so much passion about something or someone, we can’t help but talk about it.
For example, I grew up in Southern California which means I grew up watching the Los Angeles Lakers play. I love the Lakers! (I still love the Lakers even though they aren’t good any more). My oldest son was born in Virginia and lives in Florida now. But guess what!? He loves the Lakers too! Why!? Because I love the Lakers.
Our kids more than likely are going to be passionate about the things we are passionate about. But they won’t know what we’re passionate about unless we tell them and teach them.
What are your biggest hang-ups when it comes to not teaching your children about God, Jesus, and the Bible? I would love to know. Please comment. Let’s start a discussion.