Raising Modern-Day Josephs

Daniel Nott is an executive director for Awana. His love for kids extends to his involvement as an Awana leader, small-group teacher and summer camp volunteer at his church. His four children have all participated in Awana.

I’m from a family of six children. My father was not in the picture. My mother raised us. We were fortunate that she had encountered Jesus and accepted Him during our childhood.

Mom is my hero. I saw her praying for us, reading the Bible and taking us to church nearly as often as the doors were open.

All six of us grew up in that environment. As Psalm 139 tells us, we were uniquely created, and yet we all were subject to the same model, behavior and actions of a Christian worldview.

Yet, today, not all of us follow the Lord or recognize His gift of grace.

Here’s my point: We as parents and leaders have to put away our foolish notions of an easy solution to raising modern-day Josephs. We also need to stop trying to promote or utilize gimmicky formulas or acronyms that will be the answer.

Don’t misunderstand me. I am not turning my back on God-given wisdom from Scripture, books like Raising a Modern-Day Joseph and my time in prayer. I am just going to hold loosely the method while focusing on the end result, a child who prevails in a faith walk in a hostile, sin-filled world.

So what should we do? Pray, seek counsel and then pick a plan of action. Do something. The enemy of progress is too much contemplation.

Here are my favorite suggestions from chapter 6 of Raising a Modern-Day Joseph:

I am a fan of manageable chunks of time and focus. I am easily distracted and discouraged. Having a regular checkpoint with accountability and encouragement is a good fit for me.

I like what Pastor Rob Rienow is doing at Wheaton (Illinois) Bible Church. The church’s objective for family ministry states, "Our children's, student and adult ministries all seek to encourage families to grow closer to each other and closer to Christ." Rob understands that it takes real focus and integration of everyone to impart spiritual wisdom to our children.

My generation doesn’t like ceremonial events. Maybe we consider them too old-fashioned. I think this part is critical. Make a big deal out of taking a commitment to be intentional in our child’s life. It will communicate value, intent and a starting point to our kids and other families observing. Come on – light a torch or something.

The easiest way to ensure this failing is to do it alone. You must create a community to walk this journey together. Hold each other accountable. Encourage one another.

Anything worth doing is worth celebrating. We need to know when we’ve achieved something. Make sure to celebrate progress, great and small. Hold up those families who commit to this effort.

I’ve said this before, and I’ll say again: Take the first step. Don’t stay on the sidelines. You as a parent and leader have an eternity at stake. Make the first move for your family or community.

Let me know how it goes. I’m praying for you.