We have already looked at how to give our kids good soil, help them hear and understand God’s Word, and persevere under trials, but we have not yet looked at teaching our kids to have a noble and good heart.
For our children to receive God’s Word (the seed) and produce a crop, they need a noble and good heart.
One of the parenting books I have loved and recommend on my website is Raising Grateful Kids in an Entitled World: How One Family Learned That Saying No Can Lead to Life’s Biggest Yes. The book is written by Kristen Welch, blogger at wearethatfamily.com, and I had the privilege to interview her about her thoughts on entitlement and more about her book and ministry.
Kristen, tell us a little about yourself, your family, your blog, and your ministry.
This month we are discussing the seed that fell among the thorns and was choked. We will discuss what Jesus says these thorns represent and how to prevent them from choking our kids spiritually. This month we are discussing the seed that fell among the thorns and was choked. We will discuss what Jesus says these thorns represent and how to prevent them from choking our kids spiritually.
This month we are discussing the seed that fell among the thorns and was choked. So, what are these thorns that could choke our kids spiritually? In the second description of the thorn, Jesus talks about riches and pleasures making people unfruitful. These thorns are choking our kids’ spiritual life and preventing them from maturing in their faith.
“The seed falling on rocky ground refers to someone who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away.” Matthew 13:20-21 (NIV)
This week we will discuss ways to prevent the scorching heat from withering our children.
When someone asked Jesus why He spoke in parables, He said “Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of Heaven have been given to you but not to them.” (Matthew 13:11) What an interesting thought! Jesus told stories that some people would only hear on the surface level, but to others, the secrets of the kingdom of Heaven would be revealed! I don’t know about you, but I want to be one of those people that learn the secrets to God’s kingdom and how I can apply them to my life and in my role as a mom, don’t you?
Jesus sent the disciples out to share the good news and minister to others once they had been equipped to do so. Likewise, once we give our kids a sense of purpose, equip them to bear good fruit, and model sharing Jesus’ love with others, it’s time to send them out. Just like Jesus used a boy who was willing to share his lunch to feed 5,000, God can use our kids too. In fact, children have a unique position and faith that allows them to impact the world around them in significant ways.
This week we will look at how Jesus modeled ministry with His disciples as a way to teach them to share God’s love with others. “And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people” (Matthew 4:23)
When my daughter was twelve-years-old she started serving on our preschool worship team at church. One day I let her lead the large group lesson with our preschoolers. I was absolutely amazed by how well she did on her first try! I noticed her teacher-like intonation with the kids, how she kept them engaged throughout the lesson, and how she naturally spoke at their level without me even telling her to do so. Then it hit me. She had been watching ME teach the preschoolers since she was a preschooler herself! I didn’t need to teach her anything- she had been learning all along just by watching me.
Guest Blog: Beth Meverden
Every day on the way to school, I quote the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:14-17) and the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) with my children. I throw in others to make sure they’re still hidden in their hearts
Why do I focus on those passages with my children? Because when times get tough and they start to wonder if God is with them or how to handle a specific situation, my prayer is that the Holy Spirit will bring those verses back to mind and give them encouragement and guidance.
When the disciples heard their purpose, to be fishers of men, they were so excited that they dropped their nets to immediately follow Him. It’s interesting that in Jesus’ first encounter with His disciples, rather than work on their sin issues or build their flawed character, Jesus calls them to a purpose of making disciples. Oftentimes we think that our children need to be fully mature before God can use them. We think they have to fully know and understand God’s Word and work through their many character flaws, and then when they are older, God will give them a purpose in His kingdom. But Jesus shows us a different model.