All the Marbles Day 19

What will your children’s faith be rooted in when they pack their worldly possessions and leave your house for the last time? Will it be the American dream—work hard, and you can do or be anything? Will it be that you (their parents), will show up and get them through all of their “problems” and challenges? Will it be, in themselves? Or, will it be in Jesus?

Will they be in a place where they can disciple their college/work friends and their children? We tend to focus on discipling grown-ups—which hear my heart IS IMPORTANT—but so is your family. Maybe, we can help them become disciple-makers along the way and live out Matthew 28:19-20 with us!

Is your faith based on one hour every Sunday being “filled” with the Pastor's great words and not practiced and taught at home? Are you discipling your children? How important is it to pass on your faith? How important is it to be able to share with your children what we believe?

For me, it’s extremely important!

They need to see us being the Church, not mere attendees of the Church. I use a capital C because our denominational differences are killing the faith of the next generation. Christ prayed in John 17:20-23 for unity so the world would see Him. How are you showing your kids that we as believers are all Jesus’s disciples we are all His body, we are all united for Kingdom work?

As you walk and talk with your kids, you may want to use the following questions to guide your discipleship journey. Remember discipling is a process, a journey, not a program to be followed!

(1) Remind your kids what being a disciple (follower) of Jesus is. For younger kids, you may need to address that there are more than 12 disciples and the differences between apostles and disciples. If you don’t know the difference, research it together! Them watching you learn is a great example! Even if you do know the answer, work on it together, build your child’s critical thinking/logic skills!

(2) Read John 17:20-23 in John's narrative of the life of Jesus. Discuss how and what Jesus prayed for us (we weren’t even born yet!) in this prayer?

(3) Discuss how your family is part of God’s family and His Church. If you are not part of a local church, let me encourage you to find one! The Church Is Christ's body, and the last time I checked ALL body parts are critical! Find your body—and always make sure Jesus is the head! Sometimes those “other” body parts will ache, moan, break, run, etc. BUT in unity, they can worship and glorify the Creator, lift each other up, encourage and equip each other and be a light in this dark world!

(4) Hard one: the Church is not about YOU! Once you begin to judge, ridicule, throw stones (at ungrounded theological things like screens, music tempo, the color of the rug, time of the service, Kids ministry, youth retreats, etc.) you have made the body all about you—STOP and reread John 17:20-23. Christ has a place for all Believers in His Body, find yours, and be a light, not a distraction!

If you are interested in a simple “journey guide” to discipling your children, sign up at www.allthemarbles-365-18.com, and this daily “All the Marbles” will come straight to your inbox. Also, Days 1-18 are posted there.

I am praying for you and your family, and this journey together!