It’s that time of the year and in some form or fashion we’re all getting prepared for the back to school season. Teachers are getting their classrooms ready. Parents are buying up school supplies. Drivers are anticipating the extra commute time the school buses will bring. It’s good to be prepared. But let me ask you something. In all your preparation, are you making sure that your children are discipled this year? Christian parent, it’s your responsibility and nothing is more important.  Education is great, but (to quote Theodore Roosevelt) to educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society. And to take this thought a step further, the source of all morality is God. (Proverbs 1:2-7)

So, no matter what season of life you or your children are in, here are some Back to School discipleship reminders for us all.

D – Devote time for Bible study and prayer first thing in the morning. (Psalms 143:8)

I – Inspire your children to do “good works”.  (Ephesians 2:10)

S – Stress less. Pray more. (Philippians 4:6)

C – Christ is preeminent. Keep this as a foundational truth in your home. (Colossians 1:8)

I – Instill godly character traits at an early age. (Proverbs 22:6)

P – Prefer one another. (Romans 12:10)

L – Laugh with your children. (Proverbs 15:13)

E – Establish a home that loves the Lord first, others second. (Matthew 22:37-40)

S – Share your faith regularly. (Matthew 5:14-16)

H – Help your children develop their spiritual gifts. (Romans 12:5-8)

I – Invest in others. Teach your children to serve out of selflessness. (Galatians 5:13)

P – Prepare them for the daily spiritual battle they will face. (Ephesians 6:10-13)

If you would like to learn more about discipleship, check out my book Home Discipleship: Much More than ABC’s and 123’s.

Blessings!