When God gives us children, it is a blessing that He is choosing to bestow on us. These little blessings are ours to love and raise. How we bring them up will greatly determine who they will become as an adult. Their words, actions, and beliefs as adults are most often based on how we raised them.
Some parents expect that as long as they disciple their kids and continually point them to Christ that they will make all the right decisions as they grow up. Discipling our kids does not always keep them from making bad decisions, temptation or losing their way in life.
We must not forget that God promises us that if we, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” (Prov. 22:6)
This is what we need to hold fast to as parents, that the discipling we’re doing as they grow up will be what they return to should they get lost at any point in their lives.
Discipling Doesn’t Produce Perfect Kids
As I mentioned before there are “kids” who get lost along the way, I was one of those kids. My parents brought me up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, but in my stubbornness and pride I decided to go my own way.
We need to remember that though some kids may go their own way, it is not always the parents fault or a lack of raising them properly. Even kids raised in the most “Christian” home have the possibility of succumbing to the flesh. We also must remember that the kids that get lost along the way often find their way back, once again I am one of those kids. After trying it “their way”, these kids find that it wasn’t a better way, it was “fun” for awhile, but it quickly loses it’s “sparkle”. The “fun” times give way to conscience and the Holy Spirit, differences between you and your “friends” start to be revealed, and suddenly you begin to feel alone and long for your families…and more importantly the Lord.
Discipling is a Life Long Process
No matter where you are in your parenting journey, continue to disciple your children throughout each and every day and through any struggles that come your way.
If your children are grown and out of the house, you can continue to disciple them by praying for/with them, giving them Godly advice and pointing them to God throughout your relationship.
Discipling Our Kids 3 Key Points
- Remember that keeping God first is key, so focus mainly on time in His Word and talking to Him through prayer.
- Never forget that communication is very important to a healthy and growing discipling relationship.
- In order for our children to make Godly decisions, they must be taught through our own life’s decisions.
I pray that this series has been as encouraging to you as it was for me as I was writing it. May God continue to direct and guide us to disciple the little blessings He’s given us.
Great wisdom here – wow what an awesome responsibility!
Thanks for sharing at Essential Fridays.
Blessings
Mel from Essential Thing Devotions
Yes, it truly is an awesome responsibility. One that isn’t to be taken lightly. Blessings Mel!
Pinned! Great post. Featuring at Family Fun Friday. https://www.happyandblessedhome.com/2014/03/family-fun-friday-week-60-successful-parenting-tips.html
Monica
Thank you so much Monica! 🙂 Blessings!