Raising Kingdom Builders Намуна

5) Building others up

In a world full of selfish ambition and dishonest gain, one misconception must be addressed when attempting to raise Kingdom builders; we must address the notion that “the only way I can build myself up is by tearing someone else down.” Most young people believe this to be true, especially when it comes to popularity and sports, but in the Kingdom of God, it is a different story. When one wins, we all win! So, how do we teach our children to build one another up rather than tear them down?

Paul spends a good chunk of his writing in the New Testament addressing this very thing. He says in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 to “encourage each other and build each other up.” But how do we teach our children to do that very thing? Our words, the same vessel used to tear someone down, can also be used to build someone up. 

Ephesians 4:29 commands us to not use “foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.” Parents, here’s the truth: if you want your children to build others up with their words, you have to be the model of how this is done. 

In a recent study done by Michigan State University, it was found that 90% of the children studied mimicked the action of their superiors. The principle of building up those around you has to start with you, the parent. How are you treating your coworkers on Zoom calls your children overhear? What kind of language are you using when having conversations with your spouse? If you want to raise Kingdom builders, it may require raising the bar of what is and is not acceptable language in your own life.