Being Intentional: Living Less Out Of Habit and More Out Of Intent | Part 4

The Bible describes your life as a mist (James 4:14). How do you make that short time count with your kids? How can you intentionally invest in them so that they might also live intentionally for the glory of God?

In Psalm 127:3-4 you will find an interesting passage about kids: "Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him. Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands." 

A Biblical Plan For Intentional Parenting 

1. Guide them toward a godly identity 

"So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do." Ephesians 5:15-17 NIV 

"Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person. Then the Lord God said, 'It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.' So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep. While the man slept, the Lord God took out one of the man’s ribs and closed up the opening. Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib, and he brought her to the man." Genesis 2:7,18,21-22 NLT 

2. Help them develop godly character

Honor

    • Parents (Exodus 20:12) 

    • Those in Authority (Romans 13:7) 

    • Pastors / church leaders (1 Timothy 5:17) 

    • One another (Romans 12:10)

Purity

"Like a muddied spring or a polluted well are the righteous who give way to the wicked." Proverbs 25:26 NIV

God doesn’t seek for golden vessels, and does not ask for silver ones, but He must have clean ones. — Dwight L. Moody

Loyalty

    • Spouse (Malachi 2:15-16) 

    • Friends (Proverbs 17:17) 

    • Church (Acts 2:42-46)

"Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world." James 4:8 NLT 

Integrity

“I will not deny my integrity” Job 27:5 NIV

Gratitude

    • Philippians 4:11-13

    • Proverbs 15:15

3. Lay a foundation for godly community 

"As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend." Proverbs 27:17 NLT

"…bad company corrupts good character.” 1 Corinthians 15:33

4. Point them toward God’s mission

"David had served God’s purpose in his own generation…" Acts 13:36 NIV