This week Leslie shares foundational principles on how to raise Gospel-centered children. Whether you’re a mom with small kids in tow, serve the youth at your church, or you’re a single young woman looking to prepare for the future, this episode equips you in how to impart vision and purpose to those God has entrusted to your care. Discover how to stay the course without wavering and raise children that champion the Gospel and change the world!
PODCAST TRANSCRIPT
Have you ever considered what the ultimate goal is in regards to child training and parenting? God has an overarching vision for us as parents in raising and investing into our children’s lives, but it’s all too easy to lose sight of the global vision of parenting when we’re working closely with children on a daily basis. We must remember that the goal is to shape our children to be ambassadors for the Kingdom of God when they grow up.
Rather than parenting with a goal to produce upstanding citizens with good morals and healthy lifestyles, raising children to love Jesus and treasure the Gospel will ensure that the kids you raise or influence will grow to be the world-changers God intended them to be. It makes no difference what career path they take – preparing children to champion the Gospel will prepare them for any life direction God may call them to pursue.
Placing emphasis on certain convictions we hold before God aren’t wrong to instill in our children, but sometimes we can get caught up in lifestyle preferences and miss out on the centrality and importance of the Gospel – to know Christ and make Him known, both to our children and to the world around them. It’s important to remember that the steps of obedience we take in our lives to honor God shouldn’t become our main focus when instructing our children. Rather, we should point to the core reason of why we made that choice the first place – because of what Christ has done for us.
How to Raise Champions of the Gospel
Share the Gospel with your Children … Often
It is important to lead your children to know Jesus and to build a personal relationship with Him. Their relationship with Christ should be the foundation of every godly behavior you are seeking to instill in their lives.
Give Kids a Gospel-Centered Vision for Their Lives
Instead of asking your children what they want to be when they grow up, ask a new question: What do you think God wants to do through your life? Focus on how God can fulfill His purposes through their lives and seek ways to open your children’s eyes to the needs that are around them. Most importantly, as you seek God in prayer and ask Him to show you His vision for your children’s future, He will guide you in imparting vision for home every step of the way!
Major on the Majors, Minor on the Minors
As you invest into the lives of children, beware of losing Christ as your North Star and growing distracted with side issues that aren’t central to the Gospel. Homeschooling, entertainment, modesty standards, and denominational leanings are not wrong in and of themselves unless they become a focal point – rather than an accent – to our parenting.
Overcome Excuses
In our fast-paced culture, it’s easy to say that we don’t have time, energy, or skill to train our children in the Gospel life. However, the battle over the next generation is raging. Now is not the time to lay down the sword, but rather to rise up and become armed and ready for the battle we are called to fight for our children.
Key Scriptures
- Luke 4:18
- 1 Peter 2:21
Recommended Resources
- To gain fresh perspective, vision, and encouragement for your motherhood journey, read Leslie’s book Set-Apart Motherhood available in our online store.
- Visit SetApartMotherhood.com and browse our online collection on a variety of motherhood topics including marriage, family life, overcoming chaos, quiet time, discipling kids, and more!
