Don’t let the start stop you

[This is a post in a series on Discipling Your Family Well.]

I’ve often heard it said that “what stops us most is the start.”  I have found this to be true in my life many times.  Often for me it has been the fear of failing, the uncertainty of how to begin, the feeling of inadequacy, or just a poor start that leads to a quick stop.  What was the common thread in each of these?  I failed to be realistic with the task at hand.  When it comes to discipling your family there are few things more important than simply being realistic.  Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Being realistic means starting small

If you are just beginning to make family discipleship a priority, starting small is important.  Starting small helps give you easy wins which will be encouraging for you as you move forward.  It also helps you be consistent from the beginning, and allows you to shape what it will look like moving forward.

2. Being realistic means understanding it will change

How discipleship looks in your family will change over time.  As your children get older conversations will change.  The books you may be using will change.  The songs you may be singing will change.  You will change as you grow personally.  If something isn’t working well, change it.  If you think something might be fun to do differently, change it.  It won’t always look the same.

3. Being realistic means recognizing there is no “right” way

Do not feel pressured to get it “right.”  There is no right way.  It will look different for every family.  You know your family.  You know your children.  Find what works well and do it.  Don’t feel like you cannot do it because you do not know the right way.

4. Being realistic means knowing that something is better than nothing

Sometimes what we really need is to simply begin.  Recognizing the need for you to be discipling your family and just starting is a huge first step.  It will feel awkward at first.  You will be uncomfortable.  It is extremely worth it though.  In the case of family discipleship, doing something is better than doing nothing.

What have been your struggles in discipling your family?  Do you feel like you have been realistic in your thoughts, goals, approach?  What keeps you from starting things you know are important?  Leave a comment below and share!

[This is a post in a series on Discipling Your Family Well.]

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