More Jesus, Not Another Lesson Plan

Audio By Carbonatix

When many families turn to homeschooling, it’s often because of faith. We want the freedom to teach our children about God. We long to have the greatest influence in their lives—not the school system, not their peers, not even the culture around them.

But somewhere along the way, we get distracted.

The stacks of curriculum call to us. Lesson plans, co-ops, and field trips fill our calendars. And while those things have value, they can also quietly shift our focus away from what matters most.

Yes, because we’re home with our kids, we spend time on character and moral training. We teach kindness, obedience, and responsibility. Yet even this, if not rooted in Christ, can drift into a checklist rather than discipleship.

“For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17 NLT)

Homeschooling isn’t ultimately about raising smart kids, well-mannered kids, or even successful kids. The true purpose of homeschooling is to raise children who know Jesus. To live our lives filled with the Spirit, so our kids see what it looks like to walk with Him daily.

That means asking ourselves: Are we fostering our own relationship with Jesus? Are we making space for our kids to do the same?

• Do they see us turning to prayer in the middle of a hard day? “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17 NLT).
  
• Are we opening the Bible together, not just the next workbook? “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path” (Psalm 119:105 NLT).
  
• Are we faithfully worshiping and serving in our local church? “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together…” (Hebrews 10:24-25 NLT).
  
• Are we reaching out to others in service, showing our kids that faith is lived, not just learned? “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45 NLT).
  
• Are we carving out time for real conversations—listening to their questions, sharing our stories, and pointing them back to Christ? “These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Repeat them again and again to your children” (Deuteronomy 6:6-7 NLT).
  

Our children don’t need another math book, another lesson plan, or another homeschool outing. They need more Jesus.

More of us pausing to pray when life gets messy.
More of us opening the Bible together instead of always reaching for another workbook.
More of us modeling what it looks like to dedicate every part of our lives to God.

Homeschooling is a gift—but it’s not the end goal. Jesus is.

So today, mama, give yourself grace. Put aside the pressure of keeping up. Choose instead to invite Jesus into the center of your home and your homeschool. Because in the end, it won’t be the perfect curriculum that changes your child’s life—it will be Christ living in you.

“Christ lives in you. This gives you assurance of sharing his glory.” (Colossians 1:27 NLT)

Homeschooling isn’t about raising kids who look good on paper—it’s about raising kids who look like our Savior because their hearts are filled with him..

Reflection Question: What’s one simple way you can make more space for Jesus in your homeschool today?

🌟 Want More Encouragement for Your Parenting Journey?

If you’re raising a preteen, you know how challenging these years can be. Kids are bombarded with messages that test their faith and tug at their hearts. That’s why I co-wrote Faith That Sticks with Leslie Nunnery—to give parents a practical, hope-filled guide for discipling their kids through this season.

In Faith That Sticks, we share five discipleship building blocks—prayer, Bible reading, family relationships, conversation, and service—that can strengthen your family’s walk with God. You’ll find stories, encouragement, and simple activities you can use right away to connect with your preteen on a deeper level.

👉 Click here to get your copy today.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not about raising perfect kids—it’s about raising kids who love Jesus and carry their faith into the years ahead.