There is a major flaw in the way many of us have constructed our Theology. Somehow we have come to believe that the only thing that matters to God is our intangible self. We have divorced our physical self from God’s kingdom.
This also plays out in the ways we think about discipling children. We make it all about the intangible, inner-self but neglect the physical. Don’t get me wrong, prayer and Bible study are important but so are the things we teach kids about work.
I am not arguing that kids get jobs at the age of 8 or anything. Parents and influencers of children have so much to offer everyday. I find that I would rather just do something then teach my kids to do it. I’m often lazy and it’s easier to do it myself than to teach. Quarantine has offered us the chance to teach our kids to do things like cook and clean and work on projects around the house. My son even does my sanding for me.
These skills contribute to kids doing good in the world even right now. They need to learn to do things that benefit others. They need to have a work ethic and that work ethic needs to include a value of rest from work (see the fourth commandment).
Teaching kids to work is a part of discipleship that is neglected. Our kids need to know that the adults in their lives value all of them. They also need to know they are just as much a part of God’s kingdom as anyone and that their work matters.
My friend Theo was in his senior year of high school when he talked to me about what it means to be in high school and work for God. Check out his episode for some amazing wisdom.
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
