All Posts By

Tim Euler

Guarding Our Children’s Online Presence

By | Public Blog

As we conclude this series of blogs, I want to leave you with a challenge and some resources. My prayer is that this series has been beneficial.

In today’s digital world, the internet can be both a powerful tool and a dangerous trap. Our children are growing up in an environment where social media, gaming, and instant access to information dominate their daily lives. While technology can be used for good, we as parents and educators must remember that the enemy also uses it to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). Protecting our children’s online presence is not optional it is part of our responsibility to raise them in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).

Biblical Mandate for Protection

God’s Word reminds us that parents are the primary disciplers of their children. Proverbs 22:6 instructs: “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” Training requires intentional guidance, not passive allowance. Just as we would not allow strangers to freely walk into our homes and speak to our children, we cannot allow unguarded access to the digital world, where harmful voices and images can influence their hearts and minds.

God’s Word teaches us that truth can only come from God, and that education, both in the classroom and at home, must align with the Word of God. This includes digital discipleship. Helping our children navigate their online presence is not just about safety; it is about shaping their worldview. By guiding them in truth, we equip them to glorify God in every area of life, including how they interact online.

Practical Resources to Help Parents

Thankfully, there are tools that can help families protect and guide their children’s online activity:

Covenant Eyes – A Christian accountability and filtering software that monitors internet use and sends reports to an accountability partner. Helps families build trust and pursue purity together. (www.covenanteyes.com)

Bark – Monitors texts, emails, YouTube, and over 30 social media platforms for signs of cyberbullying, predators, and harmful content. Provides parents with alerts and insights. (www.bark.us)

Qustodio – Offers screen-time management, app blocking, and location tracking. Gives parents a clear overview of their child’s digital activity. (www.qustodio.com)

Net Nanny – Known for its powerful internet filtering and real-time alerts. Helps families block pornography and set healthy digital boundaries. (www.netnanny.com)

Accountable2You – A Christ-centered monitoring app that provides accountability by reporting online activity to trusted partners. Excellent for family discipleship. (www.accountable2you.com)

Google Family Link & Apple Screen Time – Free built-in tools that allow parents to set app limits, manage device use, and restrict access to explicit content. (Google Family Link | Apple Screen Time)

Family Discipleship Practices

● Keep devices in common areas, not bedrooms. This includes cell phones, gaming devices, computers, and TVs. If you have a two-story house, monitor where devices can go.

● Establish “screen-free” times, such as meals or family game nights.

● Set limits on apps and even downtime hours when the device cannot be used.

● Control web browsing through creating Wi-Fi that has advanced filters.

● Model godly behavior by showing restraint and wisdom in your own online use.

Teach children to measure every message, image, or influence by God’s Word. Psalm 119:105 reminds us: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

Heart Transformation, Not Behavior Control

While apps and filters are helpful, the ultimate goal is not merely controlling behavior but shepherding the heart. If we do not disciple our children biblically, the world will disciple them digitally. Parents must model purity, self-control, and discernment so their children can see Christlike wisdom in action.

Final Encouragement

The digital world is here to stay, but with God’s wisdom, parents can lead their children to use it for His glory. Remember the promise of Isaiah 54:13: “And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children.” As we raise up the next generation, may we be diligent in guarding the hearts and minds of our children, raising up a generation that shines the light of Christ… even in the online world.

The Influence of Gaming On Society

By | Public Blog

As I continue this series of blogs, I arrive at the topic of gaming and our children. I live in house of youth that are involved in gaming, in fact, one of my sons is an e-sports college athlete. He has been offered college scholarships to schools around the nation. I understand the gaming world well.

Video games are one of the most popular pastimes for children and teenagers in America today. While some games may offer harmless entertainment, I believe in some cases the widespread obsession with gaming has created an environment where young hearts and minds are being shaped more by screens than by Scripture. As Kingdom educators, parents, and church leaders, we must consider how gaming influences the next generation and how we can point them toward Christ instead.

Gaming by the Numbers

The statistics surrounding gaming reveal just how deeply it has captured the attention of youth:

● 85% of U.S. teens play video games, with 41% playing every day (Pew Research, 2024).

● Among teens who admit they game “too much,” 41% say it hurts their sleep and 39% say it negatively affects schoolwork.

● Even younger children are following this trend. Kids ages 8 and under average 38 minutes of gaming per day, while children ages 5–8 average 64 minutes daily.

● Teenagers and young adults (ages 15–24) spend around 58 minutes a day gaming, and children under 18 on Roblox alone average 152 minutes daily.

● A national study of children ages 6–17 found that 4+ hours of screen time per day is strongly linked to increased risks of anxiety, depression, ADHD, and conduct problems.

These numbers demonstrate that gaming is not just casual recreation, for many children, it is a powerful influence shaping their behavior, priorities, and worldview.

The Biblical Warning

Scripture warns us against allowing anything to gain mastery over our lives. Paul wrote, “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any (1 Corinthians 6:12). When children cannot step away from the screen, gaming has moved from entertainment to enslavement.

Additionally, Romans 12:2 calls us to resist worldly patterns: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. Yet many games promote violence, rebellion, greed, and impurity. When young minds are discipled more by these digital messages than by God’s Word, they are being conformed to the world rather than transformed by Christ.

Kingdom Education and the Call to Discipleship

Kingdom Education seeks to align all areas of life, including leisure, under the authority of Christ. It is not enough for children to receive Bible lessons in school or church while spending hours daily immersed in content that dulls their conscience and distracts their focus. Parents and teachers must work together to disciple children in the way of the Lord. Deuteronomy 6:6–7 reminds us:

“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, andwhen thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”

This means Christian families should intentionally set boundaries for gaming and replace excessive screen time with activities that encourage worship, learning, family conversation, and real-life service.

A Path Forward

The negative influence of gaming is undeniable; lost sleep, declining academics, damaged relationships, and spiritual distraction. Yet God has equipped His people with wisdom to guide children into freedom. By prioritizing Christ-centered discipleship over digital entertainment, families and educators can help youth grow in self-control, discipline, and joy in the Lord. The question for every parent and educator is this:

Who will disciple the next generation…the gaming industry or the Kingdom of God?

Screen Time & Dangers for Today’s Youth

By | Public Blog

What do we all have in common?

SCREENS!

Screens are now woven into nearly every part of daily life; phones, tablets, computers, and televisions.For young people, this digital presence is not just entertainment, but often their primary environment.

The average U.S. teenager now spends 7–8 hours each day on screens outside of schoolwork. While technology can be a powerful tool, it also brings dangers that cannot be denied. We must carefully examine both the risks and the responsibility we have to guide the next generation toward truth and godliness as it relates to their usage of screens.

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The Subtle Dangers of Excessive Screen Time

1. Spiritual Drift

Screens can expose children to worldly philosophies, distorted identities, and temptations. Scripture warns us in Colossians 2:8 (KJV): “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”

●  Today, 48% of U.S. teens say social media has a mostly negative effect on people their age, up sharply from 32% in 2022 (Pew Research, 2024).

2. Emotional and Mental Health

Heavy use of screens are linked to anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Proverbs 29:25 reminds us, “The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the Lord shall be safe.”

●  A major 2025 study found that youth with 4+ hours/day of screen time were 65% more likely to experience depression and 45% more likely to experience anxiety compared  to peers with less screen time.

● Teenage girls are especially vulnerable, 25% report social media harms their mental health, compared with only 14% of boys.

3. Physical Health and Discipline

Endless scrolling weakens attention spans and erodes discipline. Ephesians 5:15-16 exhorts us: “See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.”

● Over half of U.S. teens report 4+ hours/day on screens, which strongly correlates with poor sleep, lower exercise, and increased risk of obesity (CDC, 2025).

●  Nearly 45% of teens say screens harm their sleep, and 40% say it hurts their productivity (Pew Research, 2025).

A Kingdom Education Response

Kingdom Education calls parents, teachers, and churches to work together in shaping a biblical worldview in the next generation. This means helping youth view technology through the lens of Scripture.

●  Set Boundaries: As God gave His people commandments for their good, parents must set limits on screen use. Boundaries allow space for study, relationships, service, and worship.

●  Model Stewardship: Adults must lead by example. If children see parents and leaders glued to screens, they will imitate that behavior.

●  Redirect to Purpose: Youth must learn that their worth is not in likes, followers, or trends, but in Christ. Psalm 119:9 says, “Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.”

Redeeming Technology for God’s Glory

Technology itself is not the enemy. It is a tool. Social media can spread the gospel, education can flourish online, and believers can connect across the world. But when screens replace God, distort truth, and enslave hearts, the danger is real. We should seek to redeem every area of life, including technology, for God’s glory.

Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 10:31, “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” This includes our digital habits.

By discipling youth to measure their choices against Scripture and use technology wisely, we equip them not just for today, but for eternity.

Social Media, Our Youth & Mental Health

By | Public Blog

In our digital age, social media is embedded in the daily lives of young people. Apps like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, and WhatsApp dominate the online spaces where teens socialize, entertain themselves, and form their identities. Frankly, I wish we could do away with social media entirely; however, it is here, and I’m afraid it’s not only here to stay but to grow.

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How much time is my child spending online? How much time am I spending online? Is screen time impacting relationship time?

How Much Time Are U.S. Teens Spending on Social Media?

The numbers are sobering—and growing:

A 2023 Gallup Poll found that 51% of U.S. teens spend an average of 4.8 hours per day on social media platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and X.

Usage increases with age:

● 13-year-olds average 4.1 hours/day

● 17-year-olds average 5.8 hours/day

Gender differences are also significant:

● Girls average 5.3 hours/day

● Boys average 4.4 hours/day

In short: Many U.S. teens spend 5 to 6 hours daily on social media—some significantly more. That’s nearly one-third of their waking hours devoted to digital platforms.

Why It Matters: Mental Health Consequences

A JAMA Psychiatry (2019) study revealed that adolescents who spend more than 3 hours a day on social media are at a much higher risk of experiencing anxiety, depression, loneliness, and poor self-esteem. The U.S. Surgeon General’s 2023 advisory echoed these concerns, warning that excessive social media use can fuel body image struggles, disrupt sleep, and intensify feelings of isolation among teens.

Rather than providing connection, social media often amplifies comparison and self-doubt. God’s Word speaks directly against this trap:

I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. (Psalm 139:14)

Relationships in the Digital World

Although social media promises greater connection, it often leaves teens more isolated. A 2022 Pew Research Center survey showed that while teens are “constantly connected” online, many still report feeling alone or misunderstood. Scripture reminds us:

Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.  (Proverbs 27:17)

Authentic, Christ-centered relationships—grounded in accountability and love—cannot be replaced by likes or fleeting digital exchanges.

Kingdom Education: Discipleship in a Digital World

Kingdom Education provides a biblical lens to help students navigate these pressures. It is not enough to simply warn of the dangers; we must equip and disciple young people to filter all media through God’s Word.

Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind… (Romans 12:2)

Social media presses students toward conformity, but Kingdom Education calls them to be transformed by truth. Through home, church, and school working together, we can disciple youth to:

● Pursue holiness over popularity

● Choose service over self-promotion

● Build identity in Christ, not digital approval

A Call to Parents, Educators, and Church Leaders

Given how much time U.S. teens now spend online—and the clear mental health costs—we must respond intentionally:

Model wise habits – Show that digital tools are servants, not masters.

Prioritize open conversations – Encourage honest dialogue about struggles with social media.

Ground identity in Christ – Remind teens daily that their worth is not in likes but in God’s love.

Foster in-person community – Encourage friendships and discipleship that sharpen and build faith.

With U.S. teens spending nearly 5–6 hours per day on social media, the risks are real and growing. Yet through Kingdom Education, we can raise a generation anchored not in screens but in Scripture…not in fleeting trends, but in eternal truth.

The Importance of a Biblical Worldview in Leaders

By | Public Blog

In Christian education, leadership is not just about administration or academics—it is about creating a culture where truth is firmly anchored in God’s Word. For leaders who seek to implement Kingdom Education, a biblical worldview is not optional; it is essential.

Why a Biblical Worldview Matters

Amid cultural pressures toward relativism, Scripture provides leaders with stability and clarity.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16)

When Scripture is the foundation, policies, curriculum, and practices remain aligned with God’s purposes rather than shifting cultural opinions. Institutions that drift off of a biblical worldview foundation often are those that are not grounded deeply in God’s Word, making it the living curriculum and nothing else.

Education as Discipleship

Kingdom Education is not simply about academics with a Christian perspective—it is discipleship through learning.

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10)

Leaders with a biblical worldview recognize that true wisdom cannot be divorced from spiritual formation. Thus the foundation of any leader must be biblical worldview.

Modeling Integrity and Transformation

Leadership in Kingdom Education requires personal example. As Paul reminds us:

“Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2)

A leader who lives out a biblical worldview demonstrates that education is not neutral—it is a tool for transformation into Christ’s image.

Barna Research: A Wake-Up Call

Barna Group’s research underscores the urgency of worldview-driven leadership:

  • Only 4% of American adults possess a biblical worldview.
  • Just 9% of born-again Christians meet this standard.
  • 92% of U.S. adults hold a syncretistic worldview, blending beliefs from secular ideologies and spirituality.
  • Even among church leaders, only 37% of pastors maintain a biblical worldview.

“Without intentional leadership rooted in a biblical worldview, Kingdom Education is vulnerable—its foundations easily supplanted by cultural narratives.”

These statistics reveal why leadership grounded in Scripture is vital. Without it, Christian education risks being shaped more by culture than by Christ.

The Leader’s Responsibility

To preserve the integrity of Kingdom Education, leaders must:

Ground every decision in Scripture – ensuring biblical authority shapes all policies and teaching (2 Tim. 3:16).
Prioritize discipleship alongside academics – recognizing education is always shaping one’s worldview (Prov. 9:10).
Model Christ-centered integrity – influencing by example (Rom. 12:2).
Equip teachers and parents – raising the standard and resisting the drift toward syncretism.

Call to Action

For Kingdom Education to flourish, leadership must be anchored in Scripture, informed by research, and lived out with integrity. A biblical worldview provides moral clarity, cultivates transformation, and equips the next generation to stand firm in faith.

Leaders, the challenge is clear:

  • Commit daily to Scripture.
  • Lead boldly with conviction.
  • Model transformation in Christ.

By doing so, you not only shape your school today—you equip future generations for life and eternity.

The legacy of Kingdom Education rests not in buildings or programs, but in leaders who live and lead through the lens of God’s Word.

The Foundation of Truth

By | Public Blog

At the heart of Kingdom Education lies an unshakable reality: truth is not an idea, a feeling, or a cultural trend, it is a Person. Jesus declared in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” This Truth establishes Him as the cornerstone for worldview development, both in life and in eternity.

Every student is forming a worldview, by default or design. The influences of media, peers, and culture constantly whisper competing messages about identity, purpose, and truth. Without a Christ-centered anchor, those voices can lead to confusion and compromise. Kingdom Education, however, insists that the foundation of all truth is grounded in Jesus Christ. Colossians 2:3 reminds us, “In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” To teach apart from Christ is to miss the source of Truth.

Worldview development, then, is not merely about teaching Bible stories or adding prayer to the classroom. It is about shaping how students see every subject—science, history, literature, and even the arts—through the lens of God’s truth. When students recognize Jesus as Truth, they begin to discern falsehood, embrace righteousness, and live with eternal purpose.

In a world where truth is often seen as relative, Kingdom Education boldly proclaims that truth is absolute and unchanging because it is rooted in the unchanging Christ. Educators, parents, and churches must partner together to ensure that the worldview being cultivated in the next generation is not built on shifting sand, but on the solid rock of Jesus.

When Jesus is the foundation, education moves beyond academics—it becomes discipleship, shaping hearts and minds for both life and eternity.

A Prayer for the Classroom/School

Heavenly Father, today I place my classroom at Your feet. Let every word spoken, every lesson taught, and every interaction point to Jesus, who is the Truth. Guard the hearts and minds of my students from confusion, and help them see the world through Your Word. May their worldview be shaped by Christ, the solid rock, and not by the shifting sands of culture. Give me wisdom to teach with grace, courage to stand on truth, and love that reflects Your heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Discipleship in Todays Culture

By | Public Blog

In a culture with an abundance of information yet starving for truth, the call to discipleship is more urgent than ever. Our culture is saturated with voices—social media influencers, political pundits, entertainment icons—all shaping the hearts and minds of the next generation. Our children will either be discipled by design or default. But Christ’s commission is clear: Go ye therefore, and teach all nations… teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you (Matthew 28:19–20).

Executing Kingdom Education is more than an addition of scripture or Bible stories—it is intentional discipleship, shaping students to follow Christ in every aspect of life. It’s about raising up young people who can navigate today’s culture not just with critical thinking, but with biblical thinking.

In today’s society, we see a growing confusion over identity, truth, and morality. Many young people are discipled daily—not by the church or family—but by streaming platforms, TikTok algorithms, and peer pressure. The Apostle Paul warned of this in Romans 12:2: And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind… Our students’ minds will be shaped by something—the question is, will it be the culture or God’s truth?

Discipleship in Kingdom Education requires more than just Bible class. Teachers, parents, and mentors must walk alongside students, modeling Christ’s love, truth, and humility. Jesus did not simply lecture His disciples; He lived with them, corrected them, encouraged them, and sent them out with purpose. We must do the same.

In practical terms, this means:

  • Integrating Scripture into all subjects—showing that God’s Word speaks to math, science, history, English, arts, and athletics.
  • Modeling Christlike character in every interaction, even in moments of discipline.
  • Equipping students to defend their faith with grace and confidence in a culture that often challenges or mocks it (The Truth in Love).
  • Encouraging service before self, following Christ’s example in Matthew 20:28: “Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister…”

We are not preparing students just for college or careers; we are preparing them for eternity. This is why intentional discipleship is not optional—it’s essential. As Proverbs 22:6 reminds us:

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

If we faithfully sow seeds of truth now, God will bring the harvest in His time. May we, as Kingdom Educators and disciple-makers, rise to the challenge of today’s culture with courage, clarity, and compassion—knowing our labor is not in vain.

Summer Went Fast – A New School Year Is Here!

By | Public Blog

As we step into a brand-new school year, we are reminded that education is not just an occupation, but a calling. Every school is more than four walls—it is a mission field. Each student is more than a child—they are a soul entrusted to our care. And each day is more than a schedule—it is a God-given opportunity to point hearts, minds, and souls to Jesus.

God’s Word reminds us in Proverbs 22:6, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.” This is the heartbeat of Kingdom Education—teaching from the foundation of Scripture, shaping not only minds but hearts for eternity. Our task is not simply to prepare students for tests and grades, but to prepare them for life—and for life eternal. Every subject, every lesson, every word spoken can reflect the truth of God’s Kingdom when surrendered to Him.

The example of Christ leads us in how to serve. He declared in Mark 10:45,

“For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”

As Kingdom educators, we are called to put service before self—laying aside our own desires, schedules, and even our comforts, to meet the needs of the students God has placed in our schools. Every extra moment spent encouraging, every prayer claimed over a struggling child and family, every act of kindness done in secret reflects the heart of Jesus.

Steps to a Kingdom-Filled Classroom

As you begin this year, consider these simple practices to keep Christ at the center:

  • Pray Daily – Ask the Lord for wisdom and strength: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally…” (James 1:5).
  • Walk in the Word – Let Scripture be your guide: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).
  • Shine the Light of Christ – In patience, kindness, and joy, reflect the Savior to your students: “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
  • Encourage Service – Teach students the blessing of serving others with humility and love.
  • Keep an Eternal Perspective – Remember, every effort made in Christ is not in vain: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men” (Colossians 3:23).

A Final Thought

When the days feel long and the challenges seem great, rest in this promise: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).

You are not laboring alone. The Lord who called you is faithful, and He will equip you for every lesson, every trial, and every opportunity. May this school year be filled with His presence, His wisdom, and His Kingdom purpose.

Let us press forward together—not just for a successful year, but for an Eternity-focused school year.

A Daily Prayer for your Classroom

Heavenly Father, I dedicate this classroom to You today. May Your presence fill these walls, and may Your peace guard every heart. Give me wisdom to teach, patience to guide, and love that reflects Christ. Help me to serve, to see each child as You see them, and to plant seeds of Truth that will last for eternity. May everything done here today bring glory to Your name. In Jesus name, Amen.

Generational Blessings

By | Public Blog

Our tendency is often to spend time and energy fighting off generational curses. Coming from a family that has truly dealt with such struggles, I understand this deeply. We want to protect and guard against the evil that challenges us. I don’t want to diminish the reality of the battles that rage within families—I believe they are real and must be addressed.

However, have you ever stopped to consider the abundance of generational blessings that God has given us and our children?

I’m reminded of what the Lord said to Moses in Numbers 6:

The Lord bless thee, and keep thee,

The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:

The Lord life up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.

We serve a God of blessings. We serve a generational God.

As individuals, parents, school leaders, or pastors, have you ever caught yourself speaking more about what we can’t or shouldn’t do, instead of focusing on what we can or should do? Words matter. Approach matters. Tone matters. Blessing over cursing matters.

Let me share a personal example. My youngest son plays baseball. As both a coach and former player, I naturally want to give him advice before every game. But before I speak, I have to ask myself: Is this for his benefit, or do I just want to take credit if he does well?

The second pause I’ve been working on in my own life is choosing to speak blessing, not cursing. What’s the difference?

  • Cursing: “Don’t strike out today.”
  • Blessing: “You’re going to find a gap today.”

Both statements aim to encourage an aggressive, confident approach at the plate—attack early in the count, stay focused—but the first one is rooted in fear of failure and past mistakes. The second is rooted in hope, vision, and the possibility of success. The world calls this positive versus negative thinking. But don’t we do this all the time?

Think of this familiar phrase we use before disciplining a student: “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Then we list the legacy: “His dad was like this, his grandfather was like this…” Can you hear it?

Could it be that we’re so focused on past patterns that we see no way for the next generation to break free from them? We strategize about how to overcome the curse—we talk about it, analyze it, even define it in detail—but rarely do we take the time to define what the blessing actually looks like.

I believe we impact our children’s well-being when we focus solely on the curse (the negative), rather than the blessing (the positive). We limit their ability to reach their full potential. We limit their vision to see the gifts God has placed within them.

I’m not suggesting that children don’t need discipline and structure in their lives—they absolutely do. I’m simply suggesting that they also need positive reinforcement to become all that God created them to be.

Words matter.

Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Ephesians 3:20

From A Child

By | Public Blog

And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

II Timothy 3:15

 I read this verse recently, and it hit me like a ton of bricks. Have you ever had that happen to you? You’re reading the Word, and suddenly the Holy Spirit speaks to you in a way He never has before.

Paul, Timothy’s mentor, is encouraging him—reminding him that he will be able to carry the message of the Gospel, even in perilous times, because of the solid foundation that has been laid in his life: the foundation of the Scriptures.

Paul points out that from childhood, Timothy has been prepared for this moment. He follows that reminder with the well-known verse that says all Scripture is given by inspiration of God. What I believe Paul is emphasizing here is that Timothy’s mother and grandmother discipled him well. They planted the Word of God deep within him—a Word that can never be taken away. They understood the importance of hiding the Word in the heart, and that made all the difference in Timothy’s life.

Do you remember why God chose Abraham to be the father of many nations? Long before Abraham had a child, and even long after he thought it was still possible, God trusted Abraham. God said He knew Abraham—that Abraham would teach his children and his household to follow the Lord.

“And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do; seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.”

Genesis 18:17-19

 Just as God knew Abraham would pass on His commands to the next generation, Paul knew that Timothy could stand firm in perilous times. Why? Because they knew the Word. They trusted it. It was embedded deep within their lives. They lived out Deuteronomy 6. The Word was their guide. It transformed them. It became their foundation. It became a part of their very DNA—from childhood.

So now we must ask ourselves—as individuals, parents, school leaders, and pastors—does God trust us with the next generation the way He trusted Abraham and Timothy? Does God know that we will faithfully teach His Word to the generations to come, as Abraham, Lois, and Eunice did? Can we confidently say that when perilous times come, our children will be rooted and able to stand firm on the Word?

What does it profit a child to achieve great success—maybe even become a National Merit Scholar—but not be grounded in the Word?

Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Psalm 119:11