The Cross | and What It Means for Fallen Humanity (Family Devotional)Sample

CONNECT

Look for an engaging, child-friendly video online that explains how plants or trees grow—from a tiny seed to a full-grown plant or tree. Watch it together. Have a table discussion and talk about the essential elements needed for growth, such as sunlight, water, soil, and air.

For families with young children, consider planting a real seed together so that kids can observe the growth process firsthand. Keep in mind that it may take several days or even weeks to see noticeable changes. To keep kids engaged, you can take daily pictures, track progress in a journal, or choose fast-growing plants like beans or sunflowers for quicker results.

Growing things takes time and effort. But you will have satisfaction when you reach your goal and see that your plant is fully grown.

READ THE WORD

Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.

COLOSSIANS 1:28

As followers of Christ, it is not enough that we know God’s word and what it teaches us. The most important thing to consider is the outcome of our lives. How has the word of God transformed us? Are we living the same lives we used to live or has there been a change in our hearts? Have we stopped doing the things we used to enjoy doing? The more we know Jesus, the more we obey and become more like Him, being models of peace, humility, kindness, self-control, and other characteristics Jesus has shown us.

God’s goal for us is to be mature in Christ, to act and speak like Him, and to have hearts that are turned towards Him and others. This way, our lives can be used by God to lead more people to know Him.

HUDDLE

Parents to Kid/s (2–6 years old)

• How can you grow in Christ every day?

Parents to Kid/s (7–12 years old)

• What does a mature follower of Jesus look like?
• How do you want to be known? When people hear your name, what is the one thing you want them to remember about you? Do your words, actions, and character reflect Jesus?

Kid/s to Parents

• How have you matured as a follower of God?
• How can our family grow together in Christ?

How can we grow and mature as followers of Christ? The apostle Paul writes:

. . . rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.

COLOSSIANS 2:7

We can become rooted in Christ by reading His word every day, praying, and being with other believers. When we do, we can make decisions that please God—like being kind even when others are not, forgiving even when the hurt goes deep, and being thankful in everything.

How else can you demonstrate maturity in Christ?

PRAY

Dear Jesus, thank You for helping us grow in our walk with You. We want to have strong roots in our faith so that we can love You and others more. Please help us to read Your word, pray, and follow You every day. Thank You for making us more like You. Amen.

DISCOVER

Did you know? Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world! Some types of bamboo can grow nearly three feet (91 cm) in just one day! But before it grows tall, it first spends years developing strong roots underground.

Strong plants need strong roots. Similarly, our growth in Christ may not always be visible right away. But as we stay rooted in Him, we will grow stronger in faith and become more like Jesus!