The Heart of Discipleship: Following Jesus with Our Children
As parents, we often feel unequipped to disciple our children. We struggle to know where to start, what to say, and how to lead them in their walk with God. But the truth is, discipleship isn’t about having all the answers or being perfect; it’s about following Jesus and pointing our children to Him.
The Purpose of Discipleship
We often forget that the purpose of discipleship is not to shape our children into our image, but to help them see and know their King. We want them to be conformed to the image of Christ, not us. This means we need to be intentional about pointing them to Jesus, rather than trying to be Jesus to them.
Breaking Down Barriers
One of the biggest barriers to discipleship is our own insecurity and feeling of inadequacy. We think we need to have it all together before we can disciple our children. But the truth is, discipleship is not about us; it’s about Jesus. We need to break down the walls of our own pride and self-sufficiency and be willing to be vulnerable and honest with our children.
Making Discipleship a Lifestyle
Discipleship is not just something we do once a day or once a week; it’s a lifestyle. It’s the way we live, the way we talk, and the way we interact with our children. We need to make discipleship a part of our daily routine, whether it’s through family devotions, conversations around the dinner table, or simply living out our faith in front of our children.
The Power of Community
We don’t have to do discipleship alone. We need to surround ourselves with other believers who can support and encourage us on this journey. We need to be part of a community that values discipleship and is committed to helping one another follow Jesus.
Pointing Our Children to Jesus
Ultimately, discipleship is about pointing our children to Jesus. We need to show them the beauty and wonder of the gospel, and help them understand their need for a Savior. We need to model for them what it means to follow Jesus, and encourage them to do the same.
A Word of Encouragement
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to start, take heart. Discipleship is a journey, and it’s okay to take it one step at a time. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, and don’t be too proud to admit when you don’t have the answers. Remember, discipleship is not about you; it’s about Jesus. And He is always faithful to provide what we need to follow Him.
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