Kids That Change the World: Discipling Children at Home
Discipling our children is one of the most important things we can do as believers. Because of that, I’m always looking for more practical ideas when it comes to raising Christian children. It’s an important (if not MOST important) part of discipleship! I want my kids to go out into the world and make a difference.
In this blog post, we will discuss how to disciple our kids at home. We will look at what Scripture really says about disciples and what they are, and how we can apply it to our own lives. It is important to start discipling our children early on! This way, they continue to grow in the ways of Christ as they get older.
I have done my best to apply the concept of “start as you mean to go on” ever since I started having children. Meaning, we want to teach and train them with the end goal in mind–even when they’re small. Have I been perfect at this? Definitely not, and neither will you. But we still want to set out to train them now. We want to do our best to obey the Lord each day. If you do, I promise that the fruit of your kids’ character will follow.
Focus on the Home
When it comes to raising children in the ways of the Lord, we need to focus on the home. We can’t rely on schools or churches to do all the work for us. It is important that we take the time to pour into our kids’ lives, teaching them about Jesus and His Word. This starts with reading the Bible together, and praying for one another. We can also have practical discussions about what it means to follow Jesus.
We should set a good example for our children to follow. If we want them to be kind and loving, we need to show them how to do that ourselves. It is important that they see us living out our faith, in order for them to do the same.
What does the Bible say, and what is a disciple really?
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit…”
Matthew 28:19
So what is a disciple anyway?
A disciple is someone who follows Jesus Christ. They are someone who is committed to Him, and wants to grow in their faith. A disciple is willing to do whatever it takes to become more like Christ. They are also willing to share their faith with others.
Here are some Scriptures that I think expound on the meaning of what a disciple of Jesus truly is:
But as for you, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you learned them.
2 Timothy 3:14
He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
Matthew 10:37
If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
Luke 14:26-27
Discipling Children: Practical Application
So how do we go about discipling children? It starts with training them in the ways of Jesus Christ. We need to be intentional about it, and make time for it in our busy lives. Here are some practical things that we can do:
- Pray for our children daily, asking God to help us disciple them in a way that is best for them
- Read the Bible together as a family, and discuss what you are reading
- Model Christianity for your children by living out your faith daily
- Teach your children about Jesus Christ and His teachings
- Encourage your children to share their faith with others
These are just a few simple ideas on how to disciple our children at home. As Christians, this is something we should truly be passionate about. We have an opportunity to raise up the next generation of disciples, and change the world for Jesus Christ. Let’s not take that lightly!
What To Do When Discipling Our Children is a Struggle
Children are inherently born selfish. Knowing this, it’s important to give them guidance in how to give sacrificially both to others and to God. But sometimes, we get discouraged in feeling like it’s an uphill battle.
In these moments, there are a few things we can do:
- Remember that raising children to be disciples of Jesus Christ is a lifelong process. It’s not going to happen overnight, and there will be times when we feel like we’re not getting anywhere. But as long as we keep pressing forward, God will honor our efforts
- Pray for our children, and ask God to help us disciple them in a way that is best for them. Pray over them out loud as well!
- Seek out encouragement from other parents who are also raising disciples of Jesus Christ. Community is vital.
- Know there is grace to step back and return to an important lesson a bit later. Sometimes the circumstances and high emotions cause something to not immediately click. I know that one of my boys in particular sometimes struggles with this. His emotions are very connected to the way his body is responding to a certain thing. So sometimes we just give him time to sit and stew before go back and discuss it. He is able to process it much better this way. And that’s okay!
Following these guidelines when we don’t know what to do, will help us be more effective in the end when it comes to discipling our children.
Raising Christian Children: A Summary
Parenting through the lens of discipleship is vitally important. In order to disciple our children well, we need to be intentional and make time for it in our busy lives. Remember to start by praying for your children daily, reading the Bible together as a family, and modeling Christlikeness. We should also encourage our children to share their faith with others.
When discipling our children becomes difficult, remember that working out our salvation and being obedient to the Lord is a lifelong process. We can always pray for guidance and seek out encouragement from other parents.
Need more direction and encouragement? Check out Delight-Filled Homeschool, an incredible heart-filled homeschool course from my friend Jess at Silo & Sage.
You may also enjoy these posts:
5 Reasons Why Homesteaders Homeschool
Stepping Out in Faith and The Trap of False Humility
I Shut My Phone Down for 3 Days: Here’s What Happened
Christian Homesteading: A Story Of Community
Tiffany is a mama to four boys, second generation homeschooler, and college graduate with degrees in both music and business. Now, she is a natural living and homestead enthusiast who loves gardening and raising chickens, pigs, and cows. A lifelong believer in Jesus, she has a burning desire to bring Him glory in everything she does. A worship leader and musician, she also loves to write songs and play the piano in what spare time she finds.
