Thesis
Drawing from Jesus' parable of the rich fool in Luke 12, this sermon challenges the myth that the goal of parenting (and life) is to teach children to pursue worldly success. The pastor argues that success is not the enemy of significance, but it is the number one distraction from it. A life built on 'kingdom first' — seeking a rich relationship with God above all else — is the only path to true significance. Parents are called to model this themselves: serving others, giving generously, and pursuing heart transformation over mere behavior change, so their children can follow the same path.
Key points
- 1
Approaching God with a 'kingdom for' mentality — using Jesus to get what we want — is the root error the parable of the rich fool exposes.
- 2
Success is not the enemy of significance, but it is the number one distraction from it.
- 3
A 'kingdom first' mentality — seeking God above all else — frees us from the worry that fuels the success-driven life.
- 4
The first mistake to avoid is planning only for ourselves and forgetting others; parents teach generosity toward others by living it, not just saying it.
- 5
Giving is a shield against materialism, not a burden — God blesses us not to raise our standard of living but to raise our standard of giving.
- 6
The third and deepest mistake is neglecting the soul; parents must pursue a rich relationship with Christ themselves before they can lead their children into one.
- 7
True discipleship-parenting aims at heart change — embracing the Savior — not merely behavior change, because changed behavior flows from a transformed heart.
Outline
The Myth Introduced
The pastor introduces the series 'Chasing Bigfoot' and states today's myth: that the goal of parenting is to teach children to find significance through success. The truth is that significance is found only in Christ.
The Parable of the Rich Fool
Jesus has just finished teaching on fearing God above all else when a man interrupts demanding Jesus settle an inheritance dispute. Jesus tells the parable of the rich fool to expose the man's 'kingdom for' heart — using God to get what he wants.
Success vs. Significance
The pastor clarifies that success itself is not sinful, but making it the main thing turns it into an idol. He draws out the big idea: it is foolish to store up earthly wealth while neglecting a rich relationship with God.
Kingdom First, Not Kingdom For
Jesus calls His followers to seek the kingdom first, promising God will provide what they need. The pastor applies this to parenting: the emotional fuel of the success model is worry, while the fuel of the significance model is faith.
Mistake 1 — Forgetting Others
The pastor and his wife Carrie discuss the first mistake: planning for ourselves while forgetting others. They share how serving — even in personal hurt — is a path to healing, and invite families to model generosity of service for their children.
Mistake 2 — Forgetting the Giver
Giving is presented not as a burden but as a God-given shield against materialism. The pastor and Carrie share how they taught their children about tithing even when resources were tight, and how faithfulness in giving produces a legacy far richer than material success.
Mistake 3 — Forgetting the Soul
Carrie shares how God revealed she was pursuing spiritual behavior change — a 'kingdom for' approach wrapped in spirituality — rather than a genuine heart change. Using Ephesians 3:16-19, the sermon calls parents to pursue heart transformation rooted in Christ's love.
Discipleship, Not Just Parenting
The pastor argues that parenting is discipleship and you cannot disciple unless you are being discipled yourself. A four-year-old's story illustrates how God loves us in our immaturity but calls us to grow, and the sermon closes with an invitation to pursue a kingdom-first life.
Memorable moments
Success is not the enemy of significance, but it it is the number one distraction
yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth, but not have a rich relationship with God
God blesses us not to increase our standard of living, but to increase our standard of giving
you can't disciple unless you are one
Love your kids and their gibberish, but lead them to something more. And how you do that is letting God do that to you
serving others is the pathway one of the paths to healing, to breakthrough, to getting past. Not pull back, lean in
Application
The sermon calls every listener — parent or not — to examine whether their heart is oriented toward 'kingdom first' or 'kingdom for.' Practically, this means three things: first, stop planning only for yourself and start actively involving your family in serving others, because generosity of time and presence is caught more than taught. Second, give faithfully and sacrificially, and let your children see why — because giving guards the heart against the creeping materialism that masquerades as responsible living. Third, and most importantly, pursue a rich relationship with Jesus yourself. Pray for your children's heart change, not just behavior change. If you stay faithful to that relationship, the Holy Spirit does the stretching that no amount of external pressure ever could — and your kids will have a path worth following.
