1) Some thoughts from ‘Family Discipleship’ by Matt Chandler and Adam Griffin that have struck me recently and seem particularly pertinent in this time of lockdown.

They highlight two key aspects of parents ‘modelling’ faith to their children: be RELIABLE and be RELATABLE

2) They argue, ‘in order to be a model for your kids you must follow Christ in PROXIMITY to your children.’

‘Live your life with your kids purposely nearby.’

‘Quality proximity is paramount to your effectiveness as a discipling parent.’

3) Lockdown has somewhat forced this upon us. Many parents are spending way more time at home with their kids. While this comes with lots of challenges, it is also a time of OPPORTUNITY! Proximity has been GIFTED to us in an (ahem!) unprecedented way.

4) So parents,in all of the frustration, meltdowns, tantrums, arguments and despair...remember that these can be days when Jesus uses you to teach your kids what being a disciple looks like. Let them see you reading your Bible,praying for Gods help,saying sorry, being generous...

5) Let them hear you talking about how Jesus makes a difference to what is happening in your life right now, how we can trust him to take care of us in all of the uncertainty, how we can be assured that He is always good, how we can know He is always in control.

6) Remember - your kids don’t need perfect parents. They need a perfect Saviour and they have that in the Lord Jesus Christ. They need to know and see how imperfect people know, trust, love and follow their Heavenly Father-in the good times&the hard times&everything in between.