The trajectory of my life and the route I take heavily influence where my children land in the future.  So recently, I worked through what I’m calling a simple roadmap.  These important principles give me much-needed direction in this parenting adventure.  I hope they help you.

1. Kingdom Parenting is Liberal.

This is not a political statement, but it is a theological one.  We read in 1 Samuel 1:27-28 that Hannah was liberal with her son.  God gave her a son, and she parented with a generous hand and gave her beloved child back to God for His service.

That’s where we begin.  These are not just our kids.  They are God’s.  Whatever sacrifices we have made, whatever dreams we have, whatever investment we have made, our children were created for God’s glory not our own.

2. Kingdom Parenting is Transformational.

God created our kids for a relationship with Him and in Christ He calls them to swim upstream.  They are called not to “be conformed to this world”, but to “be transformed…”—Romans 12:1-2.

A Jesus-following, Kingdom kid lives with distinction.  He is not easily squeezed into the culture’s mold.  And Kingdom parenting builds an environment that encourages and celebrates transformational living.

3. Kingdom Parenting is Instructional.

Ephesians 6:4 tells fathers to raise their children in the “discipline and instruction of the Lord.”  Deuteronomy 6 challenges parents to diligently teach God’s Word to their kids.

This is not classroom instruction, but “along the way” instruction in the normal and everyday pattern of life.  While it is often informal, it is also intentional.  Kingdom parents are deliberate about instilling biblical truth and training the hearts of their kids.

4. Kingdom Parenting is Missional.

Jesus’ final challenge is found in Matthew 28:18-20.  We call it the Great Commission and these words define our call to make multiplying followers of Jesus Christ in our neighborhood and in the nations.

So Kingdom parents pray for their kids, lead them to know Jesus personally, and then equip and expect them to make Jesus known globally.  This goes beyond meeting missionaries or even taking a trip.  Missional kids are raised for the express purpose of making disciples in whatever context God places them.

5. Kingdom Parenting is Generational.

Psalm 78:5-8 reminds us that what we teach our kids now affects generations well beyond this one.  What God does today is quickly forgotten unless we pass on His works and ways to our children.

So Kingdom parents look past the present and they understand that every decision, every act, and every effort made to disciple their kids counts for eternity.  We know Jesus today because someone told us yesterday.  And everyone who knows Jesus tomorrow must hear about Him today.

Parenting is an incredible responsibility, but sometimes we find ourselves uncertain and overwhelmed about what God would have us do next.  This simple roadmap reminds us that there is a way to give our kids a passport to the nations.

QUESTION: What other key principles have helped guide your parenting journey?