Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today- June 15, 2012
“Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4
Men, it is not enough to just live a right life in front of your child, you must explain to them why it’s right. They need to know the why and the how behind what you do. Your words work wonders in their tender and teachable hearts. Your instruction means you care to coach and train them in truth. It’s Dad’s tutoring of his tribe that empowers his little ones for life. They may not act as if they’re listening, but they are. Teaching truth transforms.
Truth leaves your lips and lodges in their hearts. When you take the time to transfer truth to your child you are setting them up for success. Truth is transformational and freeing. It gives confidence, direction, and discernment. As they move into maturity you won’t always be there, but truth will see them through. “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ” (Ephesians 4:15).
Instruct them how to balance a check book, change a flat tire, mow the lawn, shoot a gun, dress appropriately, carry on a conversation, swim, fly a kite, book a plane ticket online, memorize poetry, journal, pray, study the Bible, grill burgers, and make homemade ice cream. Children crave being with their dad and learning his lessons from life. Tell them when you messed up, what you learned, and what you did right. Explain that their best motivations are love of God, and love for people. Teach lovingly and patiently.
Above all, teach them to know, understand, love, and fear Jesus. He is the truth. “I am the way and the truth and the life…” (John 14:6a). The more they go to Jesus, the more they will be educated in what matters most. He will reveal to them wisdom and understanding. Instruct your child in intimacy with the Almighty, and they will be inspired with a heart of humility, and they will aspire to know the mind of Christ. Lead them to sit at the feet of their Savior and learn from Him.
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me…” (Matthew 11:29a).
How can I best instruct my child? What is their unique learning style?
Related Readings: Joshua 4:6-7; Proverbs 13:1; 1 Corinthians 2:13; 2 Timothy 3:15
Post/Tweet this today: Fathers tutor your tribe to trust God. #teach #trust
Taken from Reading #9 in the 30-day devotional book, “Wisdom for Fathers”… http://bit.ly/InvUdR
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I have found your daily devotionals uplifting, thought-provoking, and instructional. But today, you have lost me as a subscriber. I cannot continue to read things produced by someone who believes it is alright to shoot a gun–unless part of military service. The last thing fathers should be teaching their children is to shoot guns.
My favorite morning email. I look forward to these writings. They lift me up, teach me and encourage me to share. It is like a daily vitamin. I forward these to my husband at work. Thank you so much!
I have looked forward to your devotionals ever day and keep many to share. Today I was so disappointed to read that you endorse the use of guns. I actually thought someone else had written the devotion for today. With the violence that is rampant in our society today, why would you promote this like it is the normal thing to do. My son was not taught to use a gun by his father and shares my concern.
What a wonderful message. Fathers teaching their children how to survive and grow in the world. And even to shoot a gun if that’s what they choose to do. Please, many fathers and sons and some daughters enjoy the sport of hunting and clay shooting.
I was glad that someone besides me found that comment “teach them to shoot a gun ” offensive. Jesus came that we might have life, guns take lives.
Maybe they live in an area where there is lots of hunting…and some men really like shooting guns as a sport…nothing wrong with it..it’s innate in some men..I took my son whose father is absent to a gun range to learn for his 18th birthday. He has cerebral palsy and loved this guy activity. There were girls there too. Just another sport. Better to learn responsibly than irresponsibly… I wish it would’ve gone further in explaining the need to show children how to act and treat others in relationships and dating, etc…good article but it could’ve gone deeper still. PS in order to keep deer population they need to be hunted to keep deer population controlled…otherwise deer become diseased, rabies, etc…really important…guns have their time and place…I personally don’t like guns but my son needed gun instruction so he received it from thisloving single Christianother..God bless..