Intentional discipleship is one of the essential aspects of parenting, yet somehow, it is being tossed aside and placed on the least of a parent's priority list.
Family Life defines discipleship as a deliberate, intentional act of pouring and teaching God's truth to children, and this is why it should be a top priority. It may mean giving up something to put some effort and time into spiritual discipleship, but it is gaining a lot of God's best, not only in a child's life but also in the parents and the people surrounding them.
Discipleship of children starts at home, not in school or at church. Parents should know that if they are not intentional and committed to disciple their children at home, the world - its culture, society, and misguided rights and wrongs - will disciple and influence them. Parents should be the ones raising their children, and not the world.
Moreover, children should not be influenced by the world; instead, they should be the ones influencing the world, bringing God's truth and the love of Jesus to the world. Parents should remember that not only will their children's behavior and character reflect who they are as parents and as a family, but most importantly, their actions and words will impact the lives of the people around them.
Yet the essential reason children should be discipled is that God commanded the parents and adults to do so. In Deuteronomy 6:4-7, God commanded the people to love Him with all of their hearts, soul, and strength and to place in their hearts the commandments He has given Them. God did not stop there, He instructed the people to "impress" these commandments on their children, to talk about them at home and when they are on the road, at bedtime, and during daytime.
How to disciple children?
Bronwyn Lea, mother, blog writer, and the author of the book "Beyond Awkward Side Hugs: Living as Christian Brothers and Sisters in a Sex-Crazed World," strongly expressed, "Whatever discipleship means, it has to be more than just teaching my kids a verse, or leading a family devotional-although those are wonderful things to do. It has to be on-the-job training. Discipleship is an internship, not a lecture series. It's not enough to help people know it. We have to help them live it."
Lea narrated that there was a time when she was wrestling with the questions of when and how to disciple her kids until a friend of hers encouraged her to ask instead the questions of when and how Jesus made disciples. She then realized how simple the answers were.
She realized that more than intentional discipleship is making discipleship a lifestyle that naturally flows wherever you are and whatever you are doing.
Jesus need not have a tedious routine or schedule to devote to disciple-making. For three years, He just did it continuously, faithfully, consistently, day by day, as he walked, talked, and did ministry alongside his disciples. Whenever they are or whatever they are doing, Jesus would just explain what he was doing to them, making them understand what they can understand at the moment. He made them participate in his activities. He offered small challenges. He encouraged. He corrected them if need be.
Parents should learn from Jesus. Discipleship of children is 24/7, anywhere and everywhere. What parents do with them and what children see from their parents is discipleship.
So when do parents start discipling their kids? Now! How do they start? Simply by "show and tell."
Show and tell the ways of Jesus
Discipleship of kids at home will be years and years of commitment to show and tell the ways of Jesus, Lea explained in an article she wrote for Propel Women entitled "Say As You Go: Discipleship Made Simple."
Parents would just need to talk as they walk, like how Jesus pointed out the lilies of the field as more beautiful than the best garment and the birds never getting hungry, or how the waves of the sea can calm or how a mustard seed can move mountains. Parents can do what they can be regularly and mundanely doing, and at the same time, be intentional in talking about the why of it.
Jesus used everyday things as "teachable moments" for his disciples to learn how to connect the dots between the world and God's Kingdom. Parents can simply follow this amazing strategy of Jesus in discipling their children.
And like how Jesus was a role model to his disciples and still is a role model to everyone now, parents should walk their talk. Children must see them doing, practicing, and "being" who and what they are teaching their children.
Related Article: Godless Parenting: Being A Good Parent, Teaching Kids Goodness Without Involving God - Is It Possible?
