Parenting with Purpose: Nurturing Hearts That Love God
Parenting is one of the most rewarding yet challenging roles we can take on in life. As parents and disciple-makers, our ultimate goal isn't just to raise well-behaved children or to encourage outward religious activity. Instead, it’s to nurture hearts that genuinely love God. This approach aligns with the greatest commandment, which calls us to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37).
The Central Role of Joy
A thriving relationship with Jesus must center on joy—a joy rooted not in circumstances but in the Lord Himself. As the Apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 3:1, "In addition, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord." Paul’s call to rejoice isn’t situational; it’s a safeguard for our faith, protecting us from frustration with God and the lure of worldly happiness.
In parenting, this principle is crucial. Our children and those we disciple are watching. Do they see us find joy in Christ, or is our happiness tied to fleeting successes and material comforts? A joyful walk with Jesus testifies to His sufficiency and draws others to Him.
In parenting, this principle is crucial. Our children and those we disciple are watching. Do they see us find joy in Christ, or is our happiness tied to fleeting successes and material comforts? A joyful walk with Jesus testifies to His sufficiency and draws others to Him.
True Holiness Requires Connection
Paul’s warning in Philippians 3:2-3 underscores a vital truth: outward morality is not the goal of the gospel. He cautions against placing confidence in the flesh or religious activity, emphasizing instead the importance of worshiping by the Spirit and boasting in Christ alone.
Holiness stems from an authentic connection with Jesus, not from a checklist of do’s and don’ts. This is a powerful reminder for parents and disciple-makers to focus not on behavior modification but on fostering a deep, personal relationship with Christ. When our children see that our confidence lies not in our abilities but in Christ’s righteousness, they’ll learn to place their trust in Him as well.
Holiness stems from an authentic connection with Jesus, not from a checklist of do’s and don’ts. This is a powerful reminder for parents and disciple-makers to focus not on behavior modification but on fostering a deep, personal relationship with Christ. When our children see that our confidence lies not in our abilities but in Christ’s righteousness, they’ll learn to place their trust in Him as well.
Making Knowing Christ the Goal
Paul’s ultimate aspiration was clear: "My goal is to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings" (Philippians 3:10). This kind of relationship goes beyond knowing about Jesus; it’s about truly experiencing Him.
Parents, grandparents, and mentors should aim to create opportunities for their children and disciples to experience Christ personally. This might involve guiding them through times of challenge, encouraging them to trust God when it’s hard, and modeling a life surrendered to Christ. By doing so, we equip them to navigate life’s difficulties while remaining grounded in their faith.
Parents, grandparents, and mentors should aim to create opportunities for their children and disciples to experience Christ personally. This might involve guiding them through times of challenge, encouraging them to trust God when it’s hard, and modeling a life surrendered to Christ. By doing so, we equip them to navigate life’s difficulties while remaining grounded in their faith.
Practical Steps for Nurturing Faith
If our goal is to connect hearts to Christ, how can we intentionally foster this connection? Here are four practical steps:
- Model a Vibrant Relationship with Jesus
Your actions speak louder than words. Demonstrate the importance of prayer, Bible reading, worship, and service in your daily life. Allow your children and disciples to see your faith in action, inspiring them to develop their own authentic walk with Christ. - Create Opportunities for Spiritual Conversation
Make time for meaningful discussions about faith. Share testimonies, explore Scripture together, and pray as a family. Use everyday moments to point to God’s truth and His work in your lives. - Encourage Personal Engagement
Help your children or disciples take ownership of their faith by equipping them with tools like Bible study guides or devotional plans. Encourage them to develop personal habits of prayer, scripture reading, and worship. - Cultivate a Home That Prioritizes Faith
Let your home be a space where faith and truth are at the center of decisions, interactions, and daily life. Model forgiveness, grace, and dependence on God in how you treat one another.
Conclusion
Parenting and disciple-making are sacred responsibilities. While we cannot force someone to love Jesus, we can create environments that nurture genuine faith and connection. By prioritizing our relationship with Christ, fostering spiritual conversations, and encouraging active faith engagement, we pave the way for others to experience the joy and transformation that comes from knowing Him.
Let’s not settle for outward morality or religious activity. Instead, let’s strive to guide hearts toward a vibrant, life-giving relationship with Jesus. In doing so, we fulfill our role as disciple-makers, passing on the love and joy of Christ to the next generation.
Let’s not settle for outward morality or religious activity. Instead, let’s strive to guide hearts toward a vibrant, life-giving relationship with Jesus. In doing so, we fulfill our role as disciple-makers, passing on the love and joy of Christ to the next generation.
This blog is based on a message preached by Lead Pastor Dr. Brian Stone as part of the Solid Ground series on Sunday, January 19. You can watch the full message here.
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