Raising Disciples, Not Just Kids
Key Scripture: Deuteronomy 6:6-7 – “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children…”
Focus: Seeing motherhood as a calling to disciple, not just manage.
Devotional:
Motherhood is not merely a job—it is a stewardship. Your children are not interruptions to your sanctification; they are instruments in it, and they are your first and most immediate mission field.
In Deuteronomy 6, the Lord commands His people to teach His Word diligently—not as a formal exercise, but as a way of life: “when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” This is the rhythm of and ministry of motherhood. The question is not whether you’re teaching—but what you’re teaching, and from what foundation.
You are not merely raising children to be polite, successful, or happy. You are raising them to know the Lord. That task can feel overwhelming, but the gospel reminds us: we do not change hearts. That is God’s work, by sola fide—faith alone—and sola gratia—grace alone. Our calling is to plant seeds faithfully, pray earnestly, and trust the Spirit to bring fruit in His time.
Point them constantly to Christ: when they sin, lead them to the cross; when they succeed, teach them to give thanks. Show them that God’s Word is not just for church, but for everyday life. Let your failures be moments of humility and repentance, and your joys be occasions to praise the Giver of all good gifts.
You are not alone in this work. The Lord has entrusted it to you, and He will equip you to do it.
Reflection Verses:
- Psalm 78:4 – “We will not hide them from their children, but tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the Lord…”
- Proverbs 22:6 – “Train up a child in the way he should go…”
- 2 Timothy 3:15 – “From childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings…”
Sola Connection: Sola Fide and Sola Gratia – We do not raise perfect children through perfect parenting, but we raise sinners in need of a Savior, praying that they will come to saving faith by grace alone.
Practically Speaking
- Shift Your Perspective
Motherhood isn’t just about surviving the day or keeping the house running — it’s about shaping hearts for Christ. Ask yourself not just “What needs to be done?” but “What kind of disciples am I raising?” - Use Everyday Moments for Eternal Lessons
Dishes, car rides, tantrums, bedtime routines — these are the discipleship moments. Point to Jesus in the ordinary. Talk about God’s goodness, His forgiveness, His truth — even while making lunches. - Teach Through Your Example
Your kids are always watching. How you handle stress, conflict, or failure teaches more than words. Modeling patience, humility, repentance, and joy speaks volumes about following Christ. Following Christ brings so much joy to our lives, are we showing and sharing that?! - Be Present, Not Just Productive
The goal isn’t just clean rooms and checked boxes — it’s hearts shepherded. Slow down enough to really see your kids, listen to them, and engage with their hearts. Friends, this doesn’t mean not to clean the house, and disregard homemaking, I have found schedules and routines do help me as a homemaker, however what I am encouraging you into is to not make those systems be the priority, they are there to work for you not you work for them. Your children are the priority and as your systems are the bumpers of your day as far as management goes your children trump it all. Their voices, conversations and inner heart condition is the priority. - Pray With and For Your Children
Prayer is one of the most powerful tools of discipleship. Pray out loud with them. Let them see you pray. Cover them in prayer when they don’t even know it. You’re doing eternal work through prayer.
REMINDERS- Biblically Speaking
- Motherhood Is a God-Given Ministry
“These words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children…” — Deuteronomy 6:6–7
➤ Discipleship begins at home. God entrusted you with your children so you could teach them to love and follow Him. - You’re Building on a Foundation of Christ
“For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 3:11
➤ You’re not just building character — you’re building faith on the foundation of Christ, one conversation and correction at a time. - The Goal Is Heart Transformation, Not Behavior Modification
“Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” — 1 Samuel 16:7
➤ Managing behavior is temporary. Discipling hearts is eternal. Aim to shepherd their hearts toward Christ, not just manage their actions. - Sola Scriptura & Solus Christus — Christ Through the Word
➤ Discipleship isn’t about trendy parenting philosophies. It’s about anchoring your children in the Word and pointing them to Jesus again and again. - Faithfulness Over Flashiness
“Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” — 1 Corinthians 4:2
➤ You don’t need to be the most creative, organized, or put-together mom. God calls you to be faithful — to show up and point to Him, day after day.
In Practice, That Might Look Like…
- Explaining forgiveness after a fight between siblings — and showing how Jesus forgives us
- Letting your child see you stop and pray when you’re overwhelmed
- Opening the Bible at breakfast to read even if it is just one verse with young children and talk about it — even if there are Cheerios on the floor
- Apologizing to your child when you overreact, and reminding them that you need grace too
- Asking intentional questions like, “What did you see God do today?” or “How can we be like Jesus right now?”
