Now that my children are grown and married with one giving us two beautiful grandchildren, I see parenting a little bit differently then when I was going through it myself.  In fact, I am asked often for my opinion (not from my own child 🙂 ) from others on what or how to help their children grow into followers of Christ.  First of all, I tell them to love them with all their might, strength, soul and mind. Love covers a multitude of sins.

I must say that my next thoughts are on discipling them. I believe that is where the heart of parenting lies. It is not saying that the call to discipleship in Matthew is not the prime verse, it is, but it is also to acknowledge others like Ephesians 6:1-4 as guidelines to the same kind of thinking.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.  “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Raising my child/grandchildren to be disciples of Christ is what God would desire from me to give to my family – Trinity-displaying, God-glorifying, disciple-making units. I believe the family is a unique place for the development of disciples.

I can see through other scriptures as well that God’s plan for children has been for parents to be the primary disciple makers.

This would be a good time to go back to the definition of discipleship which is a change that happens from the inside. I am not only called to learn the teachings of Jesus, I am called to live them. That is when change happens. It is my understanding  of His word given to me by the Holy Spirit and then having the desire to live it. I actually become tuned to listen to the Holy Spirit. It is His empowerment that enables me to do what I have been asked to do and to resist temptations and to overcome trials.

 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.  Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,  and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.  In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one;  and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,  praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints. Ephesians 6:10-18  ESV

We all have different roles – mine today is a grandparent. I believe whatever our role is, it should be a model of how a follower of Christ relates to God. I pray that as I watch others in their roles that I might learn from them how to be a better disciple.

I love the opening line of the passage above – there is not so much a call for physical attributes, but definitely one for spiritual strength. I need to decide which power centre I will be aligning myself with. My primary requirement as a disciple is to cling on tight to the Lord.