Last week, we looked at a second question—Where do I fit in? The answer: I am a child of God, created in his image. At every age—we are a child of God, made in his image. It’s never too soon to start teaching this beautiful reality to even the littlest among us, whether they are your children, step-children, Sunday school students, or kids in your neighborhood. In this third and final question, Teresa Roberts answers an all-important concern for kids—what is my purpose in the world?
Answer: To Love God and Love Others
Your child is becoming . . . that’s the whole purpose of their childhood. They are learning what they are becoming at school, on sports teams, in music practice, and through every person they interact with. If we are not intentional about guiding them toward what God has created them to be, then they could become something God doesn’t desire for them.
What are you intentionally—or unintentionally— encouraging your child into becoming?
What are you hoping they become when they grow up? A superstar athlete, a successful business leader, a renowned physician, a music star? Does that becoming drown out God’s intention for them? If our goal is to raise disciples who look more and more like Christ, we must look at Jesus’ actions and teaching.
One day as Jesus was answering questions of the Pharisees and Sadducees, an expert in the law asked Him a question as a test. “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:36-39 Jesus’ response to this question provides us the perfect response to questions such as “What am I supposed to do when I grow up?” or “Why do I exist?” or “What is my purpose in life?”: Love God and love others. When a child is wrestling with a decision, we can use these two commands as their guiding principle.
If you enjoyed this series about raising disciples into Christ’s likeness, you’ll love the new resource from Teresa Roberts, Raising Disciples.
Teresa Roberts
Teresa Roberts is Professor of Ministry and Christian Formation, Program Director of Children’s Ministry, and a vice president at Ozark Christian College. She is an expert in children’s spiritual formation training with more than 25 years of ministry experience. Dr. Roberts holds a Master of Arts in Family and Youth Ministry, a Master of Divinity, and a Doctor of Ministry. She serves in