Children—A Gift And A ResponsibilityShembull

How to Disciple Children?

Intentionally—We all know that no real change happens unintentionally—it calls for several things to see change take place. There needs to be a need to change, a willingness to do what it takes to see it happen and an uncompromising effort to follow through until it happens. It’s the same with the process of discipling. To disciple one’s own children calls for an intentional effort on the part of the parents (and grandparents). God says to the parents (who would later become grand-parents) “to be careful to obey… "(Deut.6:3), which seems to indicate a need for intentionality in discipling children. God even gave them some practical tips (v.7-9), which calls for intentionality throughout the day to help both them and their children/grand-children remember the word of God and obey it.

Relationally—Mk.3:14 says that Jesus “appointed 12 that they might be with Him and that He might send them out…” The being with preceded the sending out to serve. For the next three and a half years, Jesus walked with them, talked with them, prayed with them, performed miracles with them, and taught them—therefore giving them a first-hand experience of what they were being called to: to follow their Master—in His steps. And finally, before He ascended to Heaven, He told them to “go and make disciples of all nations” (just as He had made of them). Spending time with our children is as important as teaching them how to live. God seems to tell the people of Israel to make use of every relational moment to disciple their children. Discipleship can never be a distant affair—it calls for an intimate relationship with the one being discipled.

Lovingly—Very often love for God is seen as some shallow display of emotion that requires nothing of us but words. But God seems to suggest otherwise: The first thing He requires of the people of Israel is a whole-hearted love for Him (Deut.6:5). It’s only after this that He talks about obedience and discipling one’s children. When we love God, we love our children and disciple them in love. One can’t impose one’s beliefs on one’s children and expect them to whole-heartedly follow them for life—this will most often result in rebellion. But a parent who loves the Lord and loves their children will most likely live to see the fruit of true discipleship.

Written by Michael Collins for Movement Day Chennai