So, How are The Kids?

How would you describe your parenting journey to someone who is expecting a child or who one day hopes to have a family of their own someday? Would you describe this season as challenging? Rewarding? Life-giving? We have so many ways to describe such a complex area of our lives, one that definitely shakes up a marriage dynamic for the better…even as it adds new gray hairs and a noticeable lack of sleep. One area of our faith and family lives we consistently talk about within the church is discipleship. So when it comes to this ’round-the-clock method of creating disciples, how often is 24/7?

Do we really mean 24 hours a day, seven says a week? Is that even feasible?

Simple…But Not Easy

It sounds daunting to not only raise kids, but to also make sure they’re growing up in a household that’s conducive to loving, knowing, and serving Christ well. But just how do we expect imperfect people to raise children to understand the gospel fully, as they are still learning to do so as adults? The answer is simple, but that doesn’t make it easy.

The concept of whole-person, 24/7 discipleship isn’t actually as scary or time-consuming as it sounds, though it is an intentional act of stewarding each moment with our families. Deuteronomy 11:19 lays it out for us plainly: “Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.”

As You are Going…

Raising your kids to really know Jesus and to understand why you follow Him yourself is something you do throughout the ins and outs of your daily life. Just as the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19) tells us to make disciples as we are going throughout our days, so, too, do we make disciples in our homes. Just as Acts 1:8 tells us we will be His disciples wherever we go, the same is true within our households, as we set examples for our kids.

All that we do reveals the place in our lives we allow Christ to occupy. So, as we’re talking about Jesus in our living rooms, in our cars, at bedtime, and at breakfast, we’re reiterating His truth within our lives. So, in the context of discipleship, how often is 24/7? It’s just as habitual as it sounds. But His Spirit will empower you to lead the legacy of faith within your home. Lean into Him as you sew these gospel seeds for the next generation’s flourishing.

Now What?

Reflect on what “24/7 discipleship” looks like in your life, whether you’re a parent or not. How can you demonstrate the glory of the gospel within your own home, with your family members, roommates, or children? What would it look like to live your life with Jesus on your mind as you include Him in each mundane detail of your day? Pray for more intentional moments like these, that you could take part in sewing seeds for the gospel’s good.