Children don’t come with manuals, but God does give us instructions on how to live intentional lives; which is what we want for our kids- right? We can check out some of these instructions in Proverbs.
“These are the proverbs of Solomon, David’s son, king of Israel. Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline, to help them understand the insights of the wise. Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives, to help them do what is right, just and fair. These proverbs will give insight to the simple, knowledge and discernment to the young. Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become wiser. Let those with understanding receive guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles. Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline.” Proverbs 1:1-7
As God entrusts you with the life of your children we want you to be equipped to raise them with the wisdom of Solomon and the discipline of Daniel.
Questions you should frequently ask yourself:
- When my children are 18 years old (936 weeks from birth), what do I want them to know about God, about life and about their purpose? (Write down characteristics, temperment, knowledge, skill set etc..Make this as detailed as possible)
2. How will my children learn about God, about life and about their purpose? (This could be people, places, things, books etc… Again, list all the ways you can think of)
3. What will I intentionally do to help my children learn about God, life and about their purpose? (Okay, now we’re serious. This is the planning phase. What “repeatable” things are you going to do- or make sure they are done- to TEACH, MODEL, EXPLORE who God is and who your children are in God’s creation plan? Be specific, your plan may morph, but make a plan!)
4. Who will I call upon to help me teach my children about who they are in God/Christ? (Really think this one through). This may or may not be family. Name the people and invite them to join you in intentionally teaching and modeling who God is to your children.
I hope these questions spark intentional conversations, and in turn these conversations give birth to wisdom and discipline in your families!
A Few Suggestions for getting into the Word:
–Yearly Bible– Gives you an old testament and new testament reading, along with a psalm and a proverb daily.
–Proverbs– There are 31 “chapters” in the book of Proverbs. Read One each day.
–Audio– Bible in Your Ear Podcast (it’s the free yearly bible audio version). Subscribe, Listen AND read along if you like.
–Jesus Calling for Kids– daily devotionals
–Adventure Kids Bible– “Who, What, Why, When, Where”- These prompts are at the beginning of each book in the Adventure Bible to help better understand the context and content of the books.
Keep Living Out Loud
in HIM, terry