“For we are His workmanship [His own master work, a work of art], created in Christ Jesus [reborn from above—spiritually transformed, renewed, ready to be used] for good works, which God prepared [for us] beforehand [taking paths which He set], so that we would walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us].”— Ephesians 2:10
From the time children are old enough to talk, adults ask them the same familiar question: “What do you want to be when you grow up?” It’s a well-meaning question — but it’s the wrong one. It points a child toward a paycheck, a title, or a profession. What if we started asking instead: “What has God placed on your heart as your assignment?”
Scripture makes clear that every life is not an accident. Before a single day of our lives unfolds, God has already authored it. As the psalmist writes, “Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be” (Psalm 139:16). That means every child born into this world carries a divine assignment — a unique, God-given purpose they were designed to fulfill.
The danger of raising dream-chasers instead of purpose-seekers
When we only ask children what they want, we train them to follow their own desires rather than God’s direction. Proverbs 3:5–6 instructs, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This is not a verse for adults only — it is a foundation we must lay in young hearts early.
Children who are taught to ask “What does God want for my life?” grow into adults who are grounded, resilient, and secure — because their identity is not tied to a job market, but to the One who created them.
Teaching children to hear God’s voice
The prophet Samuel heard God’s voice as a young boy (1 Samuel 3). He did not wait until adulthood to receive a calling — and neither should our children. We can nurture this from an early age by creating space for prayer, for quiet reflection, and for honest conversations about what stirs excitement, compassion, and passion in their hearts. Those stirrings are often God speaking.
Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'” Share this truth with your children — not as a distant promise, but as a present reality they can lean into today.
A better question changes everything
Swapping one question for another is a small shift with enormous consequences. When a child is raised knowing they have a God-given assignment, they approach life with intention. They are not simply trying to find happiness — they are walking out a calling. As Paul writes in Romans 8:28, “And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.”
Let’s raise a generation that doesn’t just chase careers, but pursues callings. The world needs people who know why they were born — and that discovery begins at home, at the dinner table, and on our knees in prayer together.
Ready to start the conversation?
This week, sit down with your child and ask them:
- What breaks your heart?
- What makes you come alive?
- What do you think God made you to do?”
Then listen — really listen. Write down what they share and pray over it together. You may just be holding the first page of their God-given story. Share this post with a parent, grandparent, or teacher who needs this reminder.
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