Dad's Dilemma
Nº 202
weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - June 14, 2022
Don’t try to get obedience without creating an atmosphere of gospel forgiveness. So many (parents) fail to teach a child early that Jesus has provided a way to get relief for their guilt after doing bad things — a way to be forgiven. - John Piper
Father’s Day (in the United States) is next Sunday. Phone calls, barbecues, and new ties will surely fill the day. Dads face a seemingly impossible challenge. The two-part command that Paul describes is daunting, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” (Ephesians 5:4)
Training and teaching children the things of God in a way that does not exasperate them is a tall order. Do we err by avoiding exasperation and never get them focused on their Bible study? Or do we err by forcing them to participate in studies they disdain?
No easy answers, but no one said being a dad was easy. Try these four tests each time you question which way to proceed.
Is this about me looking good or them becoming better?
Is this about them complying with my wishes or them conforming to God’s will?
Is this the least dominant way I can make my point?
Will this moment open the door for future conversations or make subsequent discussions more difficult?
Protect your relationships with your children; avoid exasperation. At the same time, prepare your children; train them to love, honor, and obey God.
Dan Bolin President Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc
