The world has come a long way in the advancement of modern technology. The way we do everyday activities has changed so much in the last 10 years! It is even more mind-boggling to think of the advancement of computers in the last 40 years. We have been given more technology in our world which makes it hard to keep up with the current advancements.
When I think of the word capture, I think about the technology needed to take a photograph. A camera lens somehow captures a real view in real-time that can forever be kept in image form. It is quite remarkable the more you think about the technology in photography. A little history of the world’s first photograph will be shocking to some. “View from the Window at Le Gras” is said to be the world’s earliest surviving photograph from the year 1826. Photos have been around for a while!
A picture captures a moment. The everyday and mundane things that happen in your life are “moments.” But how can you capture those everyday moments for God? How can you use those activities and happenings to help grow your family on a discipleship journey with Christ?
What moments do you experience each day, week, month, and year?
Take a minute to think about all the things you do, the places you go, and the people you see.
- You eat about twenty-one meals a week - sometimes less or maybe sometimes a few more than you should.
- Many of you commute to and from work or school or take children to and from school.
- Many of you do yard work or other chores on Saturday mornings.
- Depending on where you are in the nation, you might often play in your yard in the evenings or go for a stroll around the neighborhood.
- Every fall, if you're a football fan, you find yourself in front of a TV from Thursday until Monday, between college and pro games.
- If you don’t like football, you likely end up on the couch for your favorite reality show, comedy, or drama.
- You likely eat out, at least occasionally.
- You do something, such as going to the gym, getting your hair cut, getting your oil changed, getting your car washed, or getting your nails done.
- You have hobbies, whether they be watching movies, trainspotting, listening to music, hiking, surfing, baking, or even gaming - many of which involve others.
- Someone in your home goes to the grocery store at least once every couple of weeks, and other errands require you to walk, ride, or drive as well.
- Many of your families probably go on at least a vacation or two each year.
Capture these everyday moments as opportunities to share Jesus.
If we simply look at our weekly to-do list and miss these moments for gospel conversation and training, we miss the point of being an everyday disciple of Christ. God provides us with experiences in this life to advance his Kingdom and not just pass them by. As you think about all the things you experience in your days, I encourage you to look at them from the perspective of gospel conversations and discipleship.
If you look at the individual conversations Jesus had with his disciples, he would connect the activity to a deeper conversation about faith or the Kingdom (food - feeding the 5,000; water - Living Water). Jesus gave us a model for connecting everyday moments to a deeper conversation. We should do the same as parents, spouses, and children.
If we just pass by the mundane of every day, we are wasting the God-given moments that can point others back to him.
Consider ways to have successful discipleship moments as a family.
Here are three key things to keep in mind:
1. Anticipate the opportunities you have each day.
As a parent, think about things that will happen in the everyday and use them as teachable moments (to teach on topics such as discipline, dishonesty, disobedience, hard questions from children about suffering in the world, friendship, sex, dating, and marriage). Anticipate the opportunities by thinking about these questions:
- What does the Bible say about this?
- How should I respond in the moment?
- How would Jesus expect us to handle this particular situation?
- How can I use this moment to teach my children about the truthfulness of God’s Word, his design, and his purpose in creation?
2. Be present and attentive to your family so you don’t miss the opportunities.
There are so many things we miss because we are looking down or straight ahead (at our phone, our devices, the TV) in the “downtime” of our days. If we aren’t careful, our distractions will keep us from looking out for the moments we can use to disciple our families.
So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom (Psalm 90:12).
As we are present and attentive, we must also realize that our days are limited on earth. No one knows the number of opportunities the Lord will give us with our families. We are to walk in wisdom with this knowledge. Every day is a gift the Lord gives. Let us use it to have deeper conversations with our families about Jesus in the everyday moments of life.
3. Develop your own language or vocabulary for gospel conversations with your family.
As you have family time outside, look up at the stars and ask your children, “Who made those stars?” This will prompt a conversation about God as our Creator. We can use our own words to connect the everyday moments back to conversations about God. You can do it by asking simple questions about an activity you are doing. If you are fishing, ask a question about Jesus feeding the 5,000 with fish and bread or about the call he gives us to be a fisher of people! They are simple yet profound ways we can connect everyday activity and conversation back to Jesus and his Word.
No conversation is too small.
As you put these ideas into practice with your family, please know that there is no such thing as a small or insignificant conversation. They all can be used by the Lord as we are discipling each other. Ask the Lord to bless your everyday moments to bring you and your family closer to him!
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