Creating small discipleship habits

Figuring out how to disciple our kids can be a tricky thing. Some of us grew up in the church but had families that didn’t have a plan for discipleship at home so we don’t know how we want to teach our own kids. Some of us didn’t grow up in the church and are scared to ruin our kids. Some of us just don’t have a clue where to start. I just finished a great book called Little Habits, Big Faith all about creating small discipleship habits, that I’m thinking is going to be a great addition to my Bible lessons. I’m planing on adding it to the present I give to new parents.

(Two things to disclose: Christie gave me a free copy of Little Habits, Big Faith, I actually wasn’t supposed to write a review, all she wanted was me to post a review on Amazon and various other sites where it’s for sale because reviews help sales on those sites, but I love the book, so I have affiliate links, that’s my other disclosure, affiliate links)

Why do we need this book?

Okay, I guess this is chapter 6 of Little Habits, Big Faith, and in the first five or so chapters she spent time explaining why we needed to do this. But this is a question I’ve gotten a lot too. How do I do this? Where do I start? I don’t know enough?

And as I was reading the early chapters I was wishing I had a highlighter handy because I was thinking, “I’ve heard this,” or “I’ve thought this.”

• Our family devotional doesn’t look like [fill in the blank social media platform]
• My kids hate [fill in the blank Bible study or devotional you bought because friend or blogger you saw suggested it]
• My kids won’t sit still for our study
• We tried this elaborate study and we did it, for two days and then something happened and we stopped and I felt guilty and never did it again
• I could keep going on this list, I started to add other reasons in the book, but then I’d just be rewriting the book

I’ve been all of those people at one time or another, and I’m pretty sure I’ve caused that guilt at one time or another with some of my posts, because while I try to be honest when things don’t go well with my studies, that doesn’t mean I haven’t contributed sometimes to the problem.

But, this book is to help us get past those statements.

I forget which chapter this was in, but there was a series of charts. The first was just a flat line of how much time you’ll spend if you wait until you know enough. But look how much time if you just slowly build day after day on your habits.

But why I like Little Habits, Big Faith

This is the end of each chapter.

Each chapter ends with key points. Then specific questions to think through. The questions have a nice balance point of not being too detailed but also not overly generic. They lead to good self-reflection.

I like that she works through different problems you might be struggling with, and presents specific scripture for you to read and pray through. Too many books give you generic platitudes. I like that we get scriptures.

I like that she broke it down into what this can look like for different stages of parenting. Christie recognizes not all ages of parenting will look the same and not all ages will have the same capabilities. You are not going to be giving your toddler a Bible and saying, “Now read a chapter and give me your in-depth analysis.”

Some Bible Studies you might try with your kids

Over the years I’ve reviewed and enjoyed many Bible studies with my kids. As you’re developing these small habits with your kids, why not try these.

• How to Study the Bible for Kids
• Discernment and purity Bible study
• Sword Study
• My Brother’s Keeper Bible study
• Around Home Children’s Devotional

How this challenged my habits

She recognized habits can create ruts and doing something just because. you always do it.

This book is written for people still in the trenches, and my kids are out of the house, but it still had things for me, because I know I can get into ruts of doing something just because that’s how I’ve always done it.

So, in those last few chapters where she suggests how you can deepen your habits and how you can create new deeper habits.

I plan to reread those last few chapters again a bit slower and take time to savor them. Thinking about them in more detail, then I’m going to buy a few copies to send to some friends with young kids.