5 ways to be a faith leader in your home
5 ways to be a faith leader in your home
Being a parent is one of the most tangible ways that you can help raise up the next generation of faithful Christ followers. In a world and culture that’s constantly shifting, you have the power to help your children build their foundation on Christ and love Him more. Here are 5 simple things you can incorporate into your family rhythms to help lead your kids toward Christ.
1.Read the Bible together
The greatest gift you can give your children is wisdom from the Bible. You don’t have to have a degree in theology to show your kids how to love God’s Word – you just need to show up and do it together! If Bible reading is new to your family, you can start by reading a few verses or use a daily devotional during breakfast, or before your kids go to sleep each night.
2. Pray together
Prayer is simply a conversation with God – but it’s a powerful way to show your kids that God can be with them, and is always available to hear from them. One method to teach your kids to pray is “sentence prayers”. Simply start the sentence, and have your kids finish the sentence on their own:
“God, I thank you for …”
“God, forgive me for …”
“God, help my friend …”
3. Prioritize your family
Busy workdays and hectic schedules can make it challenging to prioritize your family – but that time you spend together can transform your children’s lives. (Ephesians 6:1-4).
By putting your family first, you’re able to create moments where you can invest in them and build stronger relationships. Set aside a night or two a week as “family night”, and don’t be afraid to say no to activities or obligations that cause you to miss out on spending time with your kids.
4. Integrate faith into daily conversations
Your walk with Christ is the most important thing about you, so you don’t have to limit your faith conversations to specific times of prayer and Bible reading. Ask your kids how they saw God at work during their school day, or ask them how you can be praying for them. You can also share what God’s been teaching you during your day!
5. Model humility and a servant’s heart
Humility is one of the most defining characteristics of Jesus, and it’s one of the hardest things to teach in a world where we’re tempted to build ourselves up. Encourage your kids to admit when they’ve made mistakes - and don’t be afraid to let them know when you’ve fallen short yourself.
Another way to model humility is to serve others as a family. Whether you’re serving in church or in your local community, your kids will be able to see what it looks like to love others more than they love themselves.
Ultimately, these five practices can help your kids learn how to love God more in their own lives. By leading well in your home, you’re equipping your children with God’s truth and empowering them to change the world for His kingdom!