By Ashley Bufe 
As a parent, my main focus shouldn’t be to raise a next-level ball player.
It shouldn’t be to raise the Valedictorian or scholarship achieving student.
It shouldn’t be to raise a phenomenal actor or an incredible musician.
My main focus shouldn’t be to raise a recognized track star or All-State competitor.
It shouldn’t be to raise the popular kid, or the Class favorite, or the Homecoming Queen.
Or to raise an acclaimed doctor, or successful engineer or popular lawyer.
Now sure, all of those are good things. All of those can be great things.
But they shouldn’t be the main thing.
No, the main thing should be raising disciples.
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My main focus should be to raise a kid who knows the importance of being different than the world. But also knows it’s just as important to be kind to those who are different from him.
To raise a kid who is humble and strong, selfless and motivated, who is willing to serve, willing to love, and is able to see people beyond what’s merely on the outside.
To raise a kid who will be willing to be the only person standing for Christ if he’s ever in a room full of people trying to tear him down.
To raise a kid who knows there is a time to lead and a time to follow. A time to be silly and a time to be serious. A time to work hard and a time to rest.
My goal should be to raise a kid who knows God loves us all equally will show that love to all—bosses and employees, those who seem ordinary and those who seem extraordinary, both healthy and unhealthy, old and young.
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To raise a kid who will respect women—both their bodies and their hearts.
To raise a kid who is willing to forgive a wrong that seems unforgivable.
To raise a kid who knows God is walking with him both during his times of storms and in his times of clear skies. Who will trust the path that God has laid before him.
To raise a kid who understands the need for strong friendships, but will also reach to those outside of his circle.
To raise kid who is willing offer his gifts and his talents, both ordinary and extraordinary.
To raise a kid who knows he can always turn back to God, no matter how far lost he once was. And who will take that grace of God and share it with the world.
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My priority should be to raise a disciple. To train a warrior. Everything else is great too, but it shouldn’t be the main thing.
Pointing my children to the One who died for them.
That should be the main thing.
This post originally appeared on My House Full of Boys
P.S. Leading our kids to grow in their faith is our highest calling. HelloBible is a fun, faith-filled subscription for kids. Each month they’ll receive a box with books, art projects, activities, and parent guides to explore a new Bible story.
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