You can teach your kids their purpose in life by showing them that they were made to know, love, and serve God, and that real success means obeying him. Our culture tells kids that life is about fame, money, and being happy. The Bible offers something far better. These final two cornerstones help kids build their lives on what matters most.
Cornerstone 6: We Were Made to Know, Love, and Serve God
Research suggests only about a quarter of Gen Z believes the most important reason for living is to do what God wants. Yet Jesus made our purpose clear when someone asked him which commandment was the greatest.
Mark 12:30-31 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
At its heart, life is about relationships: knowing God, loving him with everything we are, and loving the people around us. When kids understand this, it shapes how they see school, sports, friendships, and future careers. Every part of life becomes a way to love God and love others.
Helping Kids Discover God’s Will
Kids often ask big questions like, “What does God want me to do with my life?” It’s a great question. Before they figure out the details, like what job to pursue or where to live, they need to know what God has already made clear in his Word.
Micah 6:8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.
God’s will isn’t a hidden puzzle he’s hiding from us. Much of it is already spelled out: worship God, treat people fairly, show mercy, and stay humble. As kids live out what they already know, God guides them into the unique ways he’s gifted them to serve. Help your kids notice their gifts and passions, and talk about how they could use them to love God and others.
Cornerstone 7: Success Means Obedience to God
Our culture celebrates fame, followers, and fortune. Research suggests fewer than one in five young people believe success means doing what the Bible teaches. But Scripture defines success very differently.
Joshua 1:8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
God told Joshua that success would come from knowing and obeying his Word. That kind of success isn’t measured by trophies or bank accounts. It’s measured by faithful obedience in our thoughts, words, and actions, day after day. God honors daily faithfulness more than worldly accomplishments.
Living It Out at Home
Francis Schaeffer once said that the Christian life is the greatest apologetic. Our kids learn what success looks like by watching us. When we choose honesty over convenience, serve without being noticed, and obey God when it costs us something, we help redefine success for our kids. Celebrate their obedience and kindness, not just their grades and goals.
These seven cornerstones form a strong foundation for a biblical worldview: who God is, why we need saving, how Jesus saves, the truth of the Bible, the reality of absolute truth, our purpose, and what real success looks like. A biblical worldview isn’t just information to know. It’s a way of life to live, and your home is the best place for kids to see it. For more help, check out The ABCs of Teaching Your Kids the Bible and our family devotional The Grid for Kids.
The Takeaway
Teach your kids that they were made to know, love, and serve God, and that real success means obeying him. Model it at home, celebrate faithful obedience, and help them discover how God has gifted them. When kids build on these cornerstones, they’ll have a foundation that lasts.
