Plants need water and sunshine to survive. But too much moisture or heat is detrimental. Too little rain or sunlight will also squelch plant growth. To develop properly, plants require balanced amounts of both—and so do children!
True Story
Juan was frustrated with his younger sisters. While unloading the dishwasher together, Juan became annoyed that his sisters kept walking way, super distracted. He finally just completed the chore himself, then plopped down on the couch, wailing about the injustice.
His mother sat next to Juan on the couch. “Son, you have to teach them how to unload the dishwasher. Give them specific instructions…be kind. They are younger than you; they don’t know what to do yet. You are learning how to lead!”
The next night, Juan tried again…he gave two sisters the job of collecting all of the dishes and his other sister the job of loading while he would rinse. The night went better—only one minor meltdown!
Mom kept coaching her son on how to phrase his instructions, and stepping in when fighting ensued. She didn’t just want Juan to have a high work ethic…she wanted him to grow in his social interactions and leadership skills by practicing with his siblings!
Balanced Disciples: Knowledge, Character, and Conduct
Luke 2:52 offers a rare glimpse into Jesus’ childhood: “And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and men” (NASB). Joseph and Mary made sure that their Son’s activities were kept in balance. He grew intellectually, physically, spiritually, and socially. Balanced discipleship interweaves three dimension—growth in knowledge + character + conduct.
Knowledge: Growing disciples know God intimately. They develop a reservoir of knowledge based on a Biblical worldview. When it comes to the Christian faith today, most children are functionally illiterate. Kids who attend church regularly are exposed to an evaporating pool of Bible knowledge. Ensure that your child receives thorough training in the faith. Don’t entrust this important task to the church—or to chance. (See Proverbs 2:4-11.)
Character: Growing disciples love God passionately. They display Christlike character in every area of life. “Character” describes who you really are, the person you choose to be. Endeavor to be a consistent role model of Jesus’ life, convictions, and values. Your child builds character through thousands of choices—one decision at a time. (See Mark 12:30-31.)
Conduct: Growing disciples serve God selflessly. They demonstrate faithful conduct that honors God and helps people. Encourage your child to implement Biblical principles in practical ways every day. Demonstrate the faith through acts of service, compassion, generosity, righteousness, encouragement, courage, and sacrifice. The truth of God’s Word must move from your child’s head, to the heart, and then to the hands and feet. (See Mark 10:42-45.)
The Bible illumines a limited number of “must know” topics to understand (knowledge), “must be” traits to exhibit (character), and “must do” activities to experience (conduct). When your child’s development includes those topics, traits, and experiences, you can be reasonably assured that you have done your part to build a balanced, lifelong disciple of Jesus Christ.
Action Step: Your child is probably inclined to favor growth in either knowledge or character or conduct. One of those three dimensions is his or her area of natural strength. Each child likely shows reluctance in one area as well. Strengths have corresponding weaknesses. Encourage your child’s continued development in areas of natural strength. At the same time, reinforce areas that are prone to weakness.
