Monkey See, Monkey Do: How to Grow Christ-Like Kids

We’ve all heard the saying “Monkey see – monkey do.” This statement describes the process by which a young child imitates the conduct of others, especially his or her parents or siblings.

Do the words we speak, the behaviors we model, and the expectations we convey shape our children’s character?

The Apostle Paul penned these inspired words to his friends in the church at Philippi, “What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:9).

Jerry Bridges, author, speaker, and Navigators staff member, wrote, “The level of our obedience is most often determined by the behavior standard of other Christians around us” (The Discipline of Grace, page 116).

How can we equip our children to live a life of integrity before God and of service to others? Start by encouraging kids to discern right from wrong. Then, build character by helping them grasp why it is best to choose the right and to oppose the wrong (Hebrews 5:14).

Jesus Christ embodies all the character traits that parents and teachers want their children to develop. Though He was a humble servant, He also displayed dynamic leadership. Christ mingled with known “sinners,” yet lived in perfect holiness. Jesus promoted peace, yet He expressed zeal for righteousness, denouncing the blatant hypocrisy of His day.

The Apostle Peter also encourages the Church to develop Christ-likeness: “For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 1:5-8).

As we grow in godliness, these promises become a reality in our practical experience: “The law of the LORD is perfect, refreshing the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb. By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward” (Psalm 19:7-11).

Let us purpose to follow Paul’s pattern: “… but we cared for you the way a mother cares for her children. We loved you dearly. Not content to just pass on the Message, we wanted to give you our hearts. And we did” (1 Thessalonians 2:7, The Message).

DiscipleLand’s Core Bible is intentionally designed to train children in godly character. Every quarter of curriculum builds on the foundation of knowledge and skills learned previously. The following describes why each level of DiscipleLand Core Bible is essential to creating godly, young disciples.