“Train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not depart from it.” —Proverbs 22:6
If Jesus isn’t central to your life, why would your kids make Him central to theirs?
1. Discipling with
Train up a child in the way he should go….. —Proverbs 22:6
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” —Ephesians 6:4
The Hebrew word for “train” is “chanak,” which means to dedicate or initiate.
Training vs. Trying
• Trying says: “I hope my kids turn out okay.”
• Training says: “I am actively discipling them to love and follow Jesus.”
Discipling your kids doesn’t happen by accident. It happens with purpose and intention.
2. Cultivate a
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and even when he is old he will not depart from it.” —Proverbs 22:6
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. —Deuteronomy 6:5-7
The Hebrew word “Chanak” also conveys the idea of creating a desire or appetite for something.
A parents primary role is to cultivate a deep love for Jesus in our children’s hearts.
How do you create a desire for Jesus in your Home?
- Model your own love for Christ—let them see your passion.
- Engage in practices that foster a love for God
A Love for Jesus Leads to a Love for Others
If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother. —1 John 4:20-21
The Goal of Parenting: To have kids that fall in love with Jesus
So What Now?
Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain…… —Psalm 127:1
- Parent your children on purpose
- Take ownership of being the primary disciple maker for your kids
- Cultivate a love for Jesus in the heart of your kids