I'm sharing a condensed version here with a main point and the scripture reference.
Top Ten Reasons Parents Should Start Early Making Disciples
The Bible reminds us of this fact, “and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” 2 Timothy 3:15. Here are ten reasons why you should start early:
10. You will develop in your children an appetite for Scripture. John 1; “In the beginning was the Word. The Word was with God and the Word was God.” If you wait until your children are older, you will meet some resistance.
9. Appetites developed early in life stay with you for life. Cultivate an appetite for entertainment that is Christ honoring! You can make better choices for your children and give them lifelong God-glorifying appetites. Take full advantage of that opportunity.
8. Your appetite for God’s word will grow. As you begin to feed on the Bread of Life frequently, you will develop an appetite for God’s word. As you begin to share Scripture with your children, they will soon enjoy the traditions of godly living you establish by focusing on Christ and His Word.
7. Your child will develop a preference for the sound of your voice.There are many voices that will compete for your child’s attention. Will you train your children to love the messages on ungodly television programs and videos? You are called by God to make disciples of your children. As you obey that calling early, your child will tune in to your voice and the voice of the Master.
6. Your child will develop a heart for serving others. As you do what Jesus did in taking your disciples into the world to minister to others, your child will see in action the way Jesus impacted the world. As you pray for a sick friend, your child will learn to pray for others. As you share your testimony, your child will learn to be a witness.
5. Your relationship with your child will deepen early; that will pay lifelong dividends. Jesus was constantly with His disciples. He asked questions to know them better. He focused on each one. He taught them all day long. He showed them how to minister. He protected them. He laid down His life for them. In summary, He loved them. The result was deep relationships with His disciples, and they changed the world for Him.
4. You will become better equipped now in making disciples. As you begin the task of making disciples, you will begin to grow. You will become a better teacher. You will seek out resources to help you improve. You will begin to impact your world around you. Then as your children reach their teen years, you will have grown into an excellent disciple-maker.
3. You will make better lifestyle choices earlier. When you respond to the Lord’s command to make disciples, you will begin to make better choices about the way you spend your time and other resources. Choices about your jobs, your debt, your possessions and your entertainment will be centered around your decision to make disciples. Your desire to glorify Christ will impact the way you live.
2. You will reduce or eliminate teen rebellion. Extra effort invested in young children will pay huge dividends as they become teens. In spite of the world’s message that teen rebellion is normal, many Christian families do not experience this modern-day phenomena. Instead of losing years or even decades to unproductive, harmful behavior your child will be more likely serve the Lord early in life.
1. Making disciples early will align your family with God’s priorities earlier. Jesus showed us how to make disciples and then commanded us to do what He did. The earlier we begin to take up the task of obeying Christ, the sooner we can experience the abundant life the Jesus promised; “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” John 10:10.
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