Afterschool Discussion

“And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but are yourself lost or destroyed?” (Luke 9:25, NLT)

“There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:13, NLT)

After-school snack time with my children remains my most cherished daily routine as a mother, hands down. No matter what their age, it was a suspended segment of time where we sat together, munched together, and discussed the events of their day. Sometimes we didn’t have the luxury of snack-time, so we waited until the dinner table, but the routine was the same. Between bitefuls my kids shared their important news and thoughts from the day.

They processed their view of the world outside our home with me. It was an honor. My job was to listen and intentionally guide them to view the world through God’s lens, based on His Word. Developing this Biblical worldview is paramount in following Jesus. God wants us as parents to shape our children’s worldview lens using the Bible.

Unfortunately, the world’s empty view can press in, subtly giving kids flawed information for a flawed view. Jesus said, “What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?” (Luke 9:25). The world offers our kids very little when it comes to spiritual matters. But with a simple, intentional afterschool discussion each day, parents can consistently teach their child to take hold of God’s promises.

One year, my high schooler had a persuasive-composition class that really pushed him in his faith. Each week, his teacher would assign a controversial topic to the class. Students would then pick one side of the debate to defend in writing and in their class discussion. My son wrote persuasive essays on several hot topics, such as abortion and LGBTQ+ rights.

Each week, he mulled over a difficult topic with my husband and I at the dinner table. We prayed about it and then he courageously chose the side of the debate that aligned with his biblical worldview. The majority of the time he was alone in his stance. And it was difficult. Yet years later, he shared that being forced to articulate his faith transformed him. Through our discussions, he learned to articulate his biblical worldview to others in a respectful way and own his faith.

Embracing a biblical worldview isn’t always easy, but Scripture is still relevant and speaks to matters our kids face today. So don’t forget to make time after school to listen and discuss their day. Ask questions like: What does the Bible say about that? What does that tell me about God?

Lord, help me to consistently disciple my child at our kitchen table.