Guest Post by Mark Gouge
Timing is everything.
We find this maxim to be true in countless ways, whether it be a promotion at work, the item yo
u need the most being on sale, or your golf swing having been miraculously corrected in time for the tournament with your friends.
Timing also plays a factor in what we focus on. We buy new tires for our cars when our old tires begin to wear. We prepare meals when we are hungry and need to eat. You get the idea.
When it comes to discipling our kids, timing is every bit as crucial. As we go through our days, and life with our kids for that matter, we must capitalize on timing. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 is probably the most cited passage when it comes to teaching our kids about the Lord: we are to love the Lord above all and we are to talk to our kids about the Lord at all times. When we are in the house, lying down, getting up, or out and about.
While it is vital to have a plan to teach our kids the Word of God and the truths of Scripture, it is equally crucial that we use the moments in our day and life to explain and illustrate the truths of the Lord. It may be talking about the sunrise or sunset with your kids. It could be listening to music with them and helping them comprehend the lyrics. Whenever it may be, take the time to recite to them lessons you have learned.
Here are some thoughts on ways you can be prepared to capture the moments with your kids:
u need the most being on sale, or your golf swing having been miraculously corrected in time for the tournament with your friends.
Timing also plays a factor in what we focus on. We buy new tires for our cars when our old tires begin to wear. We prepare meals when we are hungry and need to eat. You get the idea.
When it comes to discipling our kids, timing is every bit as crucial. As we go through our days, and life with our kids for that matter, we must capitalize on timing. Deuteronomy 6:4-9 is probably the most cited passage when it comes to teaching our kids about the Lord: we are to love the Lord above all and we are to talk to our kids about the Lord at all times. When we are in the house, lying down, getting up, or out and about.
While it is vital to have a plan to teach our kids the Word of God and the truths of Scripture, it is equally crucial that we use the moments in our day and life to explain and illustrate the truths of the Lord. It may be talking about the sunrise or sunset with your kids. It could be listening to music with them and helping them comprehend the lyrics. Whenever it may be, take the time to recite to them lessons you have learned.
Here are some thoughts on ways you can be prepared to capture the moments with your kids:
- Be prepared . Your walk with the Lord must be fresh in order to be spiritually-minded enough to see the moments. Love the Lord and disciple your kids out of the overflow of your own discipleship journey.
- Be transparent and vulnerable. Allow your kids to know areas you have been challenged in. Be careful not to merely “teach” this; instead, explain to them the process you went through, and allow that truth to resonate.
- Be joyful. Let them know how wonderful the Lord is to you. Sing. Praise. Proclaim God’s goodness. It’s contagious!
- Be intentional. You will never accidentally disciple your kids. Be ready and sensitive to the Lord’s leading as you get up, venture out, hang around the house, and as you lie down.
