Parenting with Purpose: Discipling Our Children for the Kingdom

When we become parents, our greatest mission should be to disciple our children in the ways of the Lord. Proverbs 22:6 (HCSB) instructs us to, “Teach a youth about the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” This verse emphasizes that our role as parents extends beyond providing for our children physically or emotionally. We are called to raise them with spiritual intentionality, grounding them in the Word of God and guiding them toward a relationship with Him.

A Mission of Discipleship

To disciple our children means to actively teach them about Yahweh and demonstrate His love and character through our lives. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (HCSB) tells us, “These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” This passage highlights the importance of making God a daily part of our conversations and actions. It is not enough to simply attend church; discipleship requires consistent teaching and modeling of biblical principles at home.

Biblical Examples: Parenting Success and Failures

Scripture provides us with examples of godly parents whose children failed to follow Yahweh. These stories serve as cautionary tales, reminding us that our responsibility includes both teaching and correcting our children in righteousness.

1. Eli the Priest: Eli served faithfully as a priest but neglected to discipline his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, who were wicked and dishonored God. Despite being raised in the tabernacle, they abused their positions and were judged by the Lord (1 Samuel 2:12-17). Eli’s failure to teach and correct his sons highlights the danger of prioritizing ministry or other responsibilities over discipling our children.

2. King David: Though David was a man after God’s own heart, his parenting often lacked intentional discipline. His son Amnon committed a grave sin against his sister Tamar, and Absalom later rebelled against David, leading to civil war. These tragedies reflect the consequences of failing to address sin within the family (2 Samuel 13-15).

In contrast, consider Timothy’s upbringing. Paul writes of Timothy’s sincere faith, which first lived in his grandmother Lois and mother Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5). Their faithful teaching laid the foundation for Timothy’s strong relationship with God, proving the value of parental discipleship.

Children as Practice for the World

Parenting is not just about raising children; it is a refining process for us as well. Through parenting, we learn patience, kindness, and the importance of building others up. Colossians 3:12 (HCSB) reminds us, “Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” Children often test these traits, giving us daily opportunities to practice Christlike behavior.

When we lovingly correct our children, encourage their efforts, and model forgiveness, we are not only shaping their hearts but also preparing ourselves to extend these virtues to the world. As parents, we have the unique privilege of being both teachers and students, learning alongside our children what it means to love unconditionally and lead with grace.

The Ultimate Goal

Our ultimate goal as parents should be to lead our children to know and love God so they can fulfill His purpose for their lives. Psalm 127:3-4 (HCSB) declares, “Sons are indeed a heritage from the Lord, children, a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the sons born in one’s youth.” Just as a warrior aims his arrows with precision, we must guide our children with intentionality, aiming them toward Yahweh.

Parenting is not an easy journey, but it is one of eternal significance. Let us commit ourselves to discipling our children, teaching them about God’s love and truth, and preparing them to be lights in the world. When we faithfully fulfill this mission, we honor Yahweh and leave a lasting legacy of faith.