What good is it if you make disciples of your neighbors and co-workers yet neglect to disciple your own family? This is what Paul meant when he said, “If a man does not know how to manage his own household, how will he take care of the church of God?” (1 Timothy 3:5). This Scripture is not just for pastor, but is also applicable for all Christian parents. The reality is we are not doing a good job at discipleship in the home. Statistics show that between 70 and 88 percent of Christian teens will leave the church by their second year in college.
Disciple Your Children
The call to “make disciples” begin in our homes first. As parents, it is our spiritual responsibility to disciple and teach our faith to our children. Family and children are a gift from God. As Christian parents, we want to raise our children to grow up to love Jesus and know the Bible. It is important for children to begin learning about God and the Bible at home. Faith is not just something that we do once a week, but should be a part of our daily lives.
It is not the churches or schools responsibility to raise our kids. Too often, I think we think that church is more like a baby-sitting service to watch our kids for a few hours a week. While church is important, the Bible tells us that the home is primary place of learning the Bible and moral instruction.
In Deuteronomy 6:4-9, we read:
The call to “make disciples” begin in our homes first. As parents, it is our spiritual responsibility to disciple and teach our faith to our children. Family and children are a gift from God. As Christian parents, we want to raise our children to grow up to love Jesus and know the Bible. It is important for children to begin learning about God and the Bible at home. Faith is not just something that we do once a week, but should be a part of our daily lives.
It is not the churches or schools responsibility to raise our kids. Too often, I think we think that church is more like a baby-sitting service to watch our kids for a few hours a week. While church is important, the Bible tells us that the home is primary place of learning the Bible and moral instruction.
In Deuteronomy 6:4-9, we read:
You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise. You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates."
You can and should teach your children basic Christian beliefs and to memorize Scripture. This can be both fun and educational. You can use short scriptures to learn with your children. As you continue to learn the Scriptures, you can use longer passages such as the Ten Commandants and 23rd Psalm for when you and your children feel ready to go deeper. You can also use a short Family Catechism with question and answers for you discuss that will help basic Christian doctrine with your children. Lastly, there are many family prayers and songs that can be used at various times of the day to help you disciple your family.
Some Practical Ideas
Here are a few practical ideas that may help you disciple your children.
1. Find a good children's bible, such as My First Bible, The Adventure Bible for Young readers, ESV Children's Bible.
2. Have a daily time for family worship (morning, afternoon, evening)
3. Remember to have fun with your children while learning the bible.
4. Keep the time brief to hold the child's attention.
5. Recite the verse several times a day in your child's presence so it becomes familiar to them.
6. You can make flash cards with Scripture on one side and the book, chapter, and verse on the other.
7. Put the verse to music or rhythm. Your child will enjoy singing and clapping their hands.
8. Think of fun activities to make the verse fun and easy to remember. Be creative.
9. Reward your child when he/she has accurately memorized a verse. Rewards could include small treats or prizes, a trip to the dollar store, or special time with mom or dad.
10. Telling them you are proud of them and having them recite it to someone else like a grandparent or teacher.
You can and should teach your children basic Christian beliefs and to memorize Scripture. This can be both fun and educational. You can use short scriptures to learn with your children. As you continue to learn the Scriptures, you can use longer passages such as the Ten Commandants and 23rd Psalm for when you and your children feel ready to go deeper. You can also use a short Family Catechism with question and answers for you discuss that will help basic Christian doctrine with your children. Lastly, there are many family prayers and songs that can be used at various times of the day to help you disciple your family.
Some Practical Ideas
Here are a few practical ideas that may help you disciple your children.
1. Find a good children's bible, such as My First Bible, The Adventure Bible for Young readers, ESV Children's Bible.
2. Have a daily time for family worship (morning, afternoon, evening)
3. Remember to have fun with your children while learning the bible.
4. Keep the time brief to hold the child's attention.
5. Recite the verse several times a day in your child's presence so it becomes familiar to them.
6. You can make flash cards with Scripture on one side and the book, chapter, and verse on the other.
7. Put the verse to music or rhythm. Your child will enjoy singing and clapping their hands.
8. Think of fun activities to make the verse fun and easy to remember. Be creative.
9. Reward your child when he/she has accurately memorized a verse. Rewards could include small treats or prizes, a trip to the dollar store, or special time with mom or dad.
10. Telling them you are proud of them and having them recite it to someone else like a grandparent or teacher.
11. Pray with your children every day at meals and before they go to bed at night.
HT: Winfield Bevins
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