We’re Not Called to Raise Performers. We’re Called to Raise Disciples
Let’s get honest for a minute. It’s easy to be impressed by a gifted kid. The one who can pray like a preacher. The one who worships with their whole heart. The one who memorizes verses faster than you can teach them. And while all of that is beautiful, it’s not the goal.
Because spiritual gifting without spiritual grounding is dangerous. Character is what carries the calling. And without it, gifting can become a platform instead of a path to Jesus.
God Doesn’t Promote Talent. He Promotes Surrender
We live in a culture that celebrates spiritual gifting. But the Kingdom celebrates obedience. Jesus didn’t say, “By their gifts you’ll know them.” He said, “You will know them by their fruit.” (Matthew 7:16)
That means our job as parents and leaders isn’t to push kids into their gifts. It’s to disciple them into the image of Christ.
Because the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control) isn’t just a memory verse. It’s the evidence of maturity. And maturity matters more than ministry skill.
Don’t Let Gifting Outgrow Integrity
A kid can lead worship and still be prideful. They can quote Scripture and still dishonor their parents. They can be talented in front of people and lack humility behind closed doors.
Let’s not mistake performance for purity. Gifting gets attention. Character earns trust. And if we disciple the gift but ignore the heart, we’re setting them up to fall later.
Parents, Character Starts at Home
You see the attitudes. The eye rolls. The moments when they serve in church but disrespect you in the car ride home.
DON’T IGNORE IT.
Don’t excuse it just because they’re “anointed.” Anointing doesn’t excuse immaturity. It calls us, as parents, to disciple it.
Teach your kids:
- How to respond with grace when corrected
- How to repent quickly and forgive fully
- How to stay rooted in God’s Word even when no one’s watching
- How to serve without needing a stage or applause
Because those things matter more than their ability to sing, speak, or serve on a platform.
Leaders, Don’t Rush the Gift. Disciple the Person
You might have a fourth grader who’s called to preach. That’s incredible. But don’t just hand them a microphone. Hand them accountability. Hand them correction. Hand them truth in love.
We can’t be so amazed by their gift that we forget to shape their character. Remember, God doesn’t need polished vessels. He wants surrendered ones.
Final Thoughts
Gifted kids are a blessing. But without character, those gifts won’t last. Let’s not raise kids who can lead in church but crumble in private.
Let’s raise kids who:
- Value the secret place more than the spotlight
- Choose integrity over influence
- Are grounded in truth, led by the Spirit, and formed by the cross
Because at the end of the day, God isn’t looking for the most talented. He’s looking for those who look like His Son. Let’s disciple kids whose character is as strong as their calling. That’s how we raise Unshakable Kids.
Unshakable kids. 