“Practical Helps for Discipleship”
Here's a very practical parenting book that outlines 6 key aspects of discipling your children and they’ve created an acronym to help us with both our understanding and the application.
Love. We love our children with TIME [Transparency, Intimacy, Meaningfulness and Empathy]
Connection. We build this with CARE [Compassion, Authenticity, Relevance and Engagement]
Accountability. We SPUR them on [Sharpen, Pray, Urge, Restore].
Scripture. We get to know the Word and HEAR [Highlight, Explain, Apply, Respond]
Prayer. Both together and individually we ASK [Ask, Seek, Knock].
Rest. In all the craziness we STOP [Still, Talk, Offer, Peace]
When you stop to consider these categories, I think it’s easy to just assume what love is, or what building connection is, and we may conclude we’re already doing it without considering more deeply what it means. This is why the acronyms are helpful because they break down a big concept into smaller bites we can chew on in our parenting.
For each family, and each child, parenting can look different. But as we purposefully engage with the question, “How am I loving my child?” or, “How am I holding them accountable?” These chapters provide good food for thought and discussion with principles we can apply.
We’re reminded that our purpose as parents is clearly defined in scripture: we are to make disciples. “The Great Commission begins in the home. This is the purpose each and every Christ-following parent must embrace.”
The plan is simple. What’s difficult is the investment.
Isn't that the truth!
For the parents who appreciate routine and action plans, they’ve put together a monthly or yearly printable plan to help guide you in your intentionality.