Spiritual Initiators in Your Home
If you were to ask our youngest son, Seth, about some of his fondest memories related to “connecting with dad” growing up, he would quickly talk about our breakfasts at Shari’s. High class dining, I know. During his Sophomore year he and I would rise early before school and connect over omelets and hash browns as we studied through the book of Hebrews together. I still cherish those valuable hours we spent together talking about life, God’s Word, and what it means to live for Christ.
Deuteronomy 6:1-9 teaches that dads have an incredibly powerful role in influencing their kids. Today I want to encourage you fathers to set a consistent and formal time to be intentional with your kids. This will look different for each of you, but the important thing is to make a plan! You might choose to do what Seth and I did and simply study through a book of the Bible like Romans, John, or Ephesians or Hebrews together. If there is a particular burden on your heart related to your child, then you might choose an age-appropriate curriculum on a specific topic. Here are a few suggestions you might consider:
- Answers in Genesis
- Read and discuss a book of the Bible (NavPress has great accompanying study guides)
- The Truth Project for Teens
- Get a devotional like Day’s of Praise and just start going through it with your kids!
Whatever you decide, the consistent and intentional time spent with your kids is sure to be a safe investment. As you go through life also talk informally about things that come up in life and frame them against the backdrop of God’s Word. You can do this!
No one loves your kids more than you. You and I cannot outsource our faith to the church. It’s YOU who establishes the major foundation stone for them becoming like Jesus. The anointing of the Holy Spirit is present in you and on you to accomplish His work through you (see 1 John 2:20&26-27).
If anyone would like help with selection of material, please drop me an email.
In Christ,
Dale