So what measurement could we use to determine Best Kids Ever?
Let’s use how well they follow Jesus, because that embraces everything!
His dream for their life
His love for others
Justice and mercy
Honesty and integrity
Reliance on Jesus instead of substances
Raising Kids Who Love Jesus
“If children live with criticism, they learn to condemn.
If children live with hostility, they learn to fight.
If children live with fear, they learn to be apprehensive.
If children live with pity, they learn to feel sorry for themselves.
If children live with ridicule, they learn to feel shy.
If children live with jealousy, they learn to feel envy.
If children live with shame, they learn to feel guilty.
If children live with encouragement, they learn confidence.
If children live with tolerance, they learn patience.
If children live with praise, they learn appreciation.
If children live with acceptance, they learn to love.
If children live with approval, they learn to like themselves.
If children live with recognition, they learn it is good to have a goal.
If children live with sharing, they learn generosity.
If children live with honesty, they learn truthfulness.
If children live with fairness, they learn justice.
If children live with kindness and consideration, they learn respect.
If children live with security, they learn to have faith in themselves and in those about them.
If children live with friendliness, they learn the world is a nice place in which to live.”
Dorothy Law Nolte
Embrace your kids’ place in the body of Christ!
If kids are going to grow up loving Jesus they need to find their place in His body
Begin now! Jesus was presented at the temple at 40 days old, Luke 2:21-22
Help them discover their passion, their gifts, their niche/forte
Introduce them to serving so they see how we can accomplish more together than alone and discover the awesomeness and joys of serving
Find age-appropriate serve opportunities, don’t wait on them, lead!
Model!
Parents are the primary example – Deuteronomy 6:6-9
If you want to raise…
…kids who know they belong to the body of Christ, embrace your place in the body – Acts 2:42, Hebrews 10:24-25
…obedient law-abiding kids, model it, don’t lie, cheat, scheme, etc – Romans 13:1-7
…winners, model a never-die faith, don’t teach them to complain, blame others for failure, but show them how to learn from mistakes, carry the load and burden – Philippians 2:14, 1 Thessalonians 5:18
…well-adjusted young adults, model wisdom and maturity, value the right things – Ephesians 4:14, 1 Corinthians 14:20
…grateful kids, talk about your family’s blessings, constantly – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
…determined and resilient kids, model consistency in all things – what are you teaching them is more important than connecting with the body? John 15:4
…kids who fully rely on God, model life without addictions, rely on God as your only source of peace and provision – Ephesians 5:18
…worshipers, fill your home, and their lives, with worship, teach them to worship, be the example – Ephesians 5:19, Deuteronomy 6:9
…kids who believe God’s Word, train them to expect to hear you speak of Jesus and His Word. They should not be shocked to hear you quote the Bible or speak of Jesus – Psalm 78:4-7
…praying kids, make sure they hear you pray! – Luke 11:1-4
A few talking points for daily life, if you’re trying to raise kids who love Jesus:
Let’s ask Jesus for His help
What does God’s Word say about it?
How would Jesus react?
The body of Christ needs me as much as I need them
You have something awesome to do for Jesus
God’s Word says to connect so we know it pleases Him
They are expecting us at church, teens, small group, etc
You have 35 hours of school each week just a few hours in kids church, teens or clubs so we have to take advantage of every chance we have
Who can we help, bless, encourage today?
Tell me something I don’t know about you, your day, school, friends, etc
7 Things Your Kids Will Remember About You by Dave Willis
5 Reasons You Should Keep Your Teens Involved In Youth Group by Greg Stier
3 Common Traits of Youth Who Don’t Leave the Church by Jon Nielson
Church 29:11 