Stories have power. None more so than when they teach us how to guide young hearts toward serving others. Josh shares the compelling "two-cart story," where a father ingeniously teaches his children about sacrifice by letting them select premium groceries, then asking which items they'll give to a family in need. What begins as reluctance transforms into joy as the children witness the impact of their generosity firsthand.
Mark recalls his mother's spontaneous compassion – stopping to help a man collecting bottles for money, and another powerful moment when she asked young Mark to give his brand-new tennis shoes to a boy in need. These weren't contrived teaching moments but authentic responses that left lifelong impressions.
Scripture gives us the blueprint for raising servant-hearted children. Psalm 127 compares children to arrows that must be aimed to hit their target. Our role as parents isn't merely telling our children to serve, but showing them through our actions and involving them in meaningful experiences that shape their character.
The practical strategies offered are refreshingly accessible: make service a family habit, teach children to notice needs around them (like encouraging a nine-year-old to talk with elderly church members), explain the "why" behind service, and celebrate generosity when it happens. Children need to understand that their work – from cleaning rooms to helping neighbors – honors God when done with the right heart.
The power lies not in perfect parenting but in consistent modeling. When children see us serving with joy and purpose, they learn to do the same. Your family's next grocery trip could become more than just shopping – it might become the lesson your children remember for a lifetime.
Ready to shape the next generation of servants? Start with this week's challenge: plan a family service project where everyone participates in the choosing, organizing, and serving. Because ultimately, your children aren't just watching what you say about serving others – they're watching what you do.