Day 1: Parenting Is Discipleship (Not Just Biology)
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:15; 1 Timothy 1:2; Titus 1:4
We often think of parenting as something biological. But Paul had no biological children—and yet he called Timothy his “true son in the faith.” He fathered spiritual children by pouring out his life into theirs.
In God’s economy, parenting is much broader than genetics. It’s discipleship. When you speak truth into a younger believer’s life, model faithfulness, and invest your time, you’re fulfilling a call to parent the next generation.
Reflection: Who are you raising up in the faith? Who calls you a spiritual parent because of your investment in their walk with Christ?
Prayer: Father, thank You for calling me into relationships where I can reflect Your heart. Show me who needs my time, truth, and tenderness today.
Day 2: Train with a Target
Scripture: Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 6:4
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” – Proverbs 22:6 (NKJV)
This verse is often quoted—but rarely studied. The phrase “train up” comes from the Hebrew word “chanak,” which means to dedicate, initiate, or even narrow—as in channeling water into a specific course. In Hebrew culture, it was used to describe dedicating a house (Deut. 20:5) or initiating a child’s journey.
The phrase “in the way he should go” can also be translated more literally: “according to his way.” Some scholars believe this includes a child’s God-given bent—their personality, gifting, and purpose. Rather than forcing a mold, the wise parent prayerfully studies and guides each child into the life God designed for them.
This wasn’t just instruction for the nuclear family. In ancient Israel, the home and the covenant community worked together to pass on the faith. Training was both individual and communal.
And “when he is old, he will not depart from it”? This isn’t a rigid formula—it’s a wisdom principle. It means that what’s deeply planted early is not easily uprooted later.
Reflection:
Are you dedicating your children—or those you disciple—to God’s purpose, or your preferences? Are you training them according to His way for them, or trying to force your way onto them?
Prayer:
Lord, help me train with clarity and compassion. Give me wisdom to see the way You’ve designed each child, and courage to dedicate them to Your path—not mine.
Day 3: Who Are We Trying to Raise?
Scripture: Titus 2:1–8; Ephesians 4:28
God doesn’t leave the end product vague. Scripture gives us a vision for mature, godly men and women:
– Men who lead and love with integrity.
– Women who nurture and teach with wisdom.
– People who are honest, grounded in truth, and living generously.
Our job is to form—not just correct. To build—not just react. To shepherd souls into spiritual adulthood.
Reflection: Are your words and example forming people into this kind of maturity? Does your lifestyle match the maturity you hope to see?
Prayer: Father, let my life be a living blueprint for the kind of disciple You want to build through me.
Day 4: The Goal Is Jesus
Scripture: Romans 5:8; 2 Corinthians 5:17
The goal of parenting isn’t obedience—it’s new birth. You can modify a child’s behavior, but only Christ can transform the heart. And here’s the good news: while we were still broken, Christ died for us.
Parenting with the end in mind means keeping Jesus at the center. Every act of love, correction, and instruction should point to Him—not ourselves, not morality, not cultural success.
Reflection: Are you pointing others to Jesus—or just to good behavior? Are you parenting by grace, or by pressure?
Prayer: Jesus, let my parenting and discipleship center on You. May the people I love see You more clearly because of my life.
Day 5: Legacy Requires Sacrifice
Scripture: Acts 9:2; 1 Peter 2:9
We are people of the Way. That’s not just a title—it’s a way of living. People like Ken, Rick, and Debbie left a legacy because they gave their lives to raising others up in Christ. They gave their time. They gave their energy. They gave their hearts.
This is more than Sunday morning. This is how the Church endures from generation to generation.
Reflection: Will you be someone’s Ken, Rick, or Debbie? Will you choose sacrifice over convenience for the sake of legacy?
Prayer: Lord, let my life leave behind more than memories. Let it leave behind disciples. May I live the Way, walk the Way, and raise others in the Way of Christ.