In its most general sense, family discipleship is when parents practice raising their children to follow and respect specific beliefs and values that they hope will be essential to them throughout their lives. So, it is the distinct duty of Christian parents to bring up their children in the instruction and discipline of God.
However, some parents might make certain mistakes or have misconceptions in the process of discipling their family, so below are three things every parent should note about having discipleship and family.
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Family discipleship is essential
Discipleship is essential for every parent since God commands it, and it could even stand above their parenting responsibilities. This is why every parent needs to learn about discipleship training. As a parent, you will be saddled with essential tasks like feeding, clothing, affection, housing, education, play, and other innumerable aspects of being a parent.
However, it might not do your children any good if they have everything they need but are unaware of other important things in life. For example, what good would it do to a child if they have all the education but cannot make moral choices or even understand why it is crucial.
So, it is essential and indispensable for most aspects of your children’s lives and those they would bring forth. This is why it outweighs other parental responsibilities.
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Family discipleship might be full of resistance
It would be a misconception to say that family discipleship has no resistance. Even as significant as discipling is, there is no promise that it will be a smooth sailing process. Usually, children, irrespective of their age, would try to resist and accept what their parents tell them.
Some might even rebel against the instructions from their parents. So, it would be best if you had righteous and stubborn persistence combined with gracious patience to be able to lead your family correctly. As parents, you can make mistakes, but you shouldn’t make the mistake of not being able to lead your family correctly.
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Family discipleship is a team effort
Discipling your household is meant to be a team effort. It should be a combination of the family and the church. Though parents are primarily the most influential people in their children’s lives, and the home is the primary environment and instrument for discipleship, you shouldn’t carry the burden alone.
You can seek help from your church, though it should not be where you outsource your children’s discipleship. Sometimes, the best form can stem from a combination of an entire community of people working together intending to raise their children spiritually.
Conclusion
Several generations of undisciplined children are now parents. And unfortunately, these parents do not know how to discipline their own children simply because they were not taught. And it is not their fault. The important factor is how parents can change the situation.
It has to start with a conscious effort of a parent in owning to their responsibility of discipling their household in their own homes. And with empowerment from churches, they might get it right.
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