Each of the majestic cathedrals found across Europe required multiple generations to build. Raising children — or making disciples — is like raising a cathedral. It is a multi-generational goal, and while you are laying each stone, facing each obstacle, it can be difficult to envision the magnificent finished product.
The goal of this message is to encourage you, as a Christian parent or disciple maker, to persevere faithfully in this great work of cathedral-building. In this passage from Psalm 78, we find four vital elements to faithful parenting:
1) A multi-generational vision.
Point to ponder: You should be seeking to make the Gospel such a clear priority in your life that even your great, great grandchildren will feel the effects of it.
Question to consider: How can you best communicate to your children—or others under your influence—that the Gospel is the greatest truth they could ever know or speak to others? Is consistency an area where you could improve?
2) A Gospel-centered goal.
Point to ponder: The gospel says you can’t obey in your own strength, you can’t succeed by your own endeavors, you can’t save yourself—and yet Jesus did succeed where we have failed!
Question to consider: How can you lead others around you into greater confidence in, and dependence on, Jesus as Savior? Do you regularly express your own need for help and forgiveness from Christ?
3) A deliberate awareness.
Point to ponder: We must determine not to forget where our priorities and affection and confidence lie — because it is so easy to become distracted.
Question to consider: What are some ways you have allowed yourself to be distracted from the goal of glorifying God in your home, or church? How can you make sure this first-of-all-priorities is not forgotten?
4) A persistent obedience.
Point to ponder: Our obedience is the overflow of our hope in God, not the other way around.
Question to consider: In what way might you be discouraged right now, because your eyes have drifted from God to your problems, failures, or concerns?