Discipling our kids comes in two forms—taught and caught. We need to teach them about our faith, how to have a relationship with Christ, and the value of God’s Word. But what is so crucial is to allow them to catch us living out our faith in front of them. Honestly, the “taught” part is often easier than the “caught”. Because it’s more of a “don’t do as I do, do as I say” thing. But God wants to use our kids in our lives to make us more like Jesus just as much as He wants to use us in their lives.
Proverbs 22:6 is an often-quoted verse that offers us a clear command but also makes a promise. A promise … not a guarantee.
Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it. (NLT) Let’s take the verse apart … Direct your children … to direct, you have to be engaged, either beside them or leading them.
Onto the right path … in light of being in the Bible, the right path is the one that leads toward God.
And when they are older …. Kids are easier to influence when they are young. Leading in the right direction toward God at a young age builds a foundation for later.
They will not leave it … again, this can’t be a guarantee because people walk away from their faith, or refuse it. But let’s think of it this way: our job is to pour God into our kids, so later, He can use our influence in their hearts.
Listen once again, this time in The Message … Point your kids in the right direction—when they’re old they won’t be lost.
So a great place to start on discipling your kids in spiritual training is simply to keep asking: Where am I pointing my kids? And then to ask: Is my “caught” pointing the same place as my “taught”?
What is way I can point my kids in the right direction this week?
What is something that should shift in my day to day walk that would provide an opportunity for my kids to catch me walking in faith?
Need to make some adjustments? That’s okay, God’s grace and mercy is there to make all the adjustments you need to make, for you and your kids.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I need You to teach me what you need my kids to know about You. Lead me when I pray. Guide me in Your Word. Help me to catch all I can from you in any way I possibly can. As above, so below.”