How do we raise children who aren’t just “successful” by worldly standards, but are truly achievers with a Kingdom mindset?
If you’ve been on this journey of breaking free from mind paralysis, discovering your God-given purpose, and building incredible momentum in your own life, then you’ll know that transformation in you is the very foundation for the powerful legacy you’re building in your children.
A whole parent who walks in spiritual alignment, finds rest in God’s presence, and embraces His divine redirection is perfectly positioned to raise whole children. Your spiritual vitality is not for you alone. It’s the fertile ground from which your children’s potential will flourish.
What Exactly is a Kingdom Mindset? And Why Now?
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s get crystal clear on the “what.” What exactly is a Kingdom mindset, and why does it even matter?
Simply put, it’s seeing the world, your life, and your child’s potential through the eternal, unchanging lens of God’s Kingdom. God’s Kingdom encompasses His reign, His rule, and His divine order operating here on Earth as it is in Heaven. It’s a Kingdom founded on truth, justice, love, righteousness, and the sovereign will of King Jesus. When we talk about a Kingdom mindset, we’re talking about adopting the worldview, values, and operating principles of Heaven, here on Earth.
Why is this Kingdom mindset crucial right now? We live in a world increasingly hostile or indifferent to God’s truth. Our children are bombarded daily with messages that contradict biblical values. Without a solid Kingdom foundation, they risk being swept away by cultural currents. Raising children with a Kingdom mindset, therefore, is an urgent spiritual imperative to:
- Anchor their Identity: So they know whose they are (children of God) and who they are (uniquely designed by Him) amidst identity confusion.
- Equip them for Spiritual Warfare: To discern truth from deception and stand firm in their faith in a world that challenges it.
- Unleash their God-Given Purpose: To understand that their lives are not their own, but a divine assignment to impact the world for Christ.
How to Cultivate an Achiever’s Mindset in Children
An achiever in God’s Kingdom isn’t defined by grades or bank accounts, but by faithfulness, wisdom, and the impactful deployment of their God-given gifts. This mindset is deeply rooted in Christ-like virtues and powered by the Holy Spirit.
1. Impart Purpose & God-Given Identity
This is foundational. Your child needs to know they are not an accident, but a divine masterpiece with a divine assignment.
- Declare Their God-Given Identity Daily.
- Practical: Speak over them: “You are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). God has a good plan for you (Jeremiah 29:11). You are a child of the King!” Use these verses as affirmations. Help them memorize them.
- Interactive: When they show a talent (singing, drawing, building), connect it to God: “Wow, God gave you such a gift for that! He made you so creative!”
- Introduce “God’s Story” as Their Story.
- Practical: Read biblical narratives consistently. Don’t just tell the story; discuss God’s purpose for Joseph, Moses, Esther, David, or even simple characters like the boy with the loaves and fish. “How did God use Joseph’s gifts? What was His plan for Esther?”
- Interactive: Encourage them to imagine themselves in Bible stories. “If you were David, what would you do?” Help them see their own lives as part of God’s larger narrative.
- Connect Gifts to Kingdom Impact.
- Practical: As they grow, help them see how their unique interests (e.g., loving animals, being good at math, having a kind heart) can be used to serve God and others. “Your love for animals could help you care for God’s creation, or serve others who need animal companionship.”
- Interactive: Involve them in age-appropriate service within your church or community, explaining why you are serving (e.g., “We’re showing God’s love to these people”).
2. Building Godly Resilience & Perseverance through the Holy Spirit
True resilience is enduring with grace. It’s more than just bouncing back. It’s a strength that comes from God through the help of the Holy Spirit.
- Teach Reliance on the Holy Spirit as Their Helper.
- Practical: When they face a challenge, encourage them to pray and ask the Holy Spirit for strength, wisdom, or patience. “Holy Spirit, help [child’s name] to understand this math problem!” or “Holy Spirit, help [child’s name] be kind when they’re frustrated.”
- Interactive: Share your own testimony of the Holy Spirit helping you through tough times. “I was really struggling with [X], and I asked God for help, and the Holy Spirit showed me [Y]!”
- Use Biblical Narratives of Divine Endurance.
- Practical: Explore stories like Joseph’s journey from pit to palace (Genesis 37-50), showcasing unwavering faith despite immense trials. Or David’s constant fleeing from Saul (1 Samuel), demonstrating perseverance through unjust persecution. Focus on how God sustained them.
- Interactive: After reading, ask: “How did God help Joseph keep going? What can we learn about not giving up when things are hard?” Connect their small struggles to these grand narratives.
- Praise Effort and God’s Strength, Not Just Outcomes.
- Practical: When they try hard and don’t succeed, affirm their effort: “You worked so hard on that, and that shows great perseverance! God is proud of your effort.” Redirect focus from external outcome to internal growth and character.
- Interactive: Frame challenges as opportunities for God to show up. “This is a tough one, but remember Philippians 4:13: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ Let’s pray and ask Him to strengthen you for this.”
3. Cultivating Wisdom & Problem-Solving with a Kingdom Lens
Wisdom (Hokhmah in Hebrew) is more than intelligence; it’s the skillful application of knowledge to live according to God’s will. It’s about seeing problems from Heaven’s perspective.
- Emphasize God’s Word as the Source of Wisdom.
- Practical: Make a habit of turning to the Bible for answers to real-life problems. “What does God’s Word say about dealing with anger/sharing/forgiveness?” Use Proverbs for practical wisdom (e.g., Proverbs 1:7; 4:7; 9:10).
- Interactive: Keep a “Family Wisdom Jar” where you write down common problems, and once a week, pull one out and discuss how biblical wisdom applies.
- Encourage Spirit-Led Critical Thinking.
- Practical: When a problem arises, guide them through a thought process: “What happened? What does the Bible say about this kind of situation? What would Jesus do? How can the Holy Spirit help us think clearly?”
- Interactive: Play strategic board games (chess, checkers) or logic puzzles that require planning and foresight, tying them to the idea of thinking strategically with God’s help.
- Practice Godly Decision-Making.
- Practical: Involve children in family decisions where appropriate, guiding them to consider choices through a Kingdom lens. “If we choose X, how might that please God? If we choose Y, what might be the consequences for others?”
- Interactive: After a decision, review the outcome. “What did we learn from that choice? How did God guide us?”
Practical Habits & Routines for Holistic Development
Mental activity for achievers with a Kingdom mindset isn’t just about academics; it’s about nurturing their entire being.
1. Structured Play & Learning (Kingdom-Inspired Fun)
- Curate God-Honoring Play Resources.
- Practical: Prioritize puzzles, building blocks (e.g., LEGOs for design and problem-solving), and educational board games that encourage strategic thinking (like chess or Settlers of Catan for older kids).
- Interactive: Introduce Christian-themed trivia games (Bible Bingo, Guesstures with Bible characters) or role-playing Bible stories. Make learning about God’s Word fun and interactive!
- Embrace Nature-Based Exploration.
- Practical: God’s creation is a powerful teacher. Spend time outdoors, exploring nature. Discuss God’s design in plants, animals, and the universe (Psalm 19:1).
- Interactive: Encourage observation journals, nature walks with specific discovery goals, or even simple gardening to teach patience and the miracle of growth.
2. Reading & Storytelling (The Living Word & Beyond)
- Make God’s Word the Primary Narrative.
- Practical: Establish a consistent routine for reading the Bible together, not just as a chore but as an adventure. Use age-appropriate Bibles and storybooks.
- Interactive: After reading, ask “What did this story tell us about God’s character?” or “What’s your favorite part and why?” Encourage them to re-tell stories in their own words or even draw them.
- Curate Character-Building Literature.
- Practical: Beyond the Bible, select books that reinforce biblical values like kindness, courage, honesty, forgiveness, and perseverance. Many Christian authors write excellent fiction for children.
- Interactive: Discuss characters’ choices: “Was that a wise decision? What would a person with a Kingdom mindset do?”
3. Mindful Media Consumption (Discernment in a Digital Age)
This is a critical area for mentally active children in a secular world. It’s not just about what they watch, but how they watch and what they do with it.
- Establish Clear Kingdom-Minded Media Boundaries.
- Practical: Set age-appropriate screen time limits based on family values, not just peer norms. Create a “whitelist” of approved apps, shows, and games that align with your Christian worldview. Be aware of the content’s underlying messages.
- Interactive: Use parental control tools, but more importantly, have open conversations about why certain content is not suitable (e.g., “This promotes fear. God doesn’t give us the spirit of fear but a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. We can’t watch this,” referencing 2 Timothy 1:7).
- Engage Critically and Biblically with Media.
- Practical: Don’t just let them consume passively. Watch/read/play alongside them whenever possible. Afterwards, discuss: “What was the message of that show? Was it true? How does this align with what the Bible teaches about love/justice/truth?”
- Interactive: Use popular media as teaching moments. For example, a superhero movie can become a discussion on courage, sacrifice, and using power responsibly for good, echoing Kingdom principles. Your “media picks” list would be invaluable here!
- Encourage Creation Over Consumption.
- Practical: Shift focus from endless consumption to creative output. Encourage them to create their own stories, videos, digital art, or even simple games. This stimulates critical thinking and builds digital literacy from a productive angle.
- Interactive: Provide tools and opportunities for creative expression using technology, always emphasizing glorifying God through their creations.
Raising achievers with a Kingdom mindset in a secular world is one of the most significant callings for Christian parents today. It starts with your own vibrant walk with Christ and flows into every intentional, Spirit-led interaction with your children. You are not just raising kids; you are raising future leaders, disciples, and world-changers for God’s glory.
What’s one parenting skill or strategy you’re excited to implement or strengthen this week to cultivate a Kingdom mindset in your children? Share in the comments!
