Step One in Our Parenting Plan

Episode Summary. One of my favorite memories as a dad was the way my kids, if they were playing in the yard and saw me drive up, would run to greet me. That always made me think of Proverbs 17:6, the glory of children is their father. Fathers don’t deserve it, but God has designed into our children a natural tendency to admire and want time with us—despite our many imperfections. That is reassuring as we continue our series, “How God Uses Imperfect Men to Impact Their Kid’s Lives.” I can’t count how many times I have said to God, “If you need me to be a perfect dad to work in my kids lives, they are in deep weeds. Thank goodness you do NOT!” This episode looks at the starting point for parenting well, thinking biblically about what our goal is.

For Further Prayerful Thought.

1. How would you answer the question, “What is the goal of parenting?”
2. What stood out to you about what Paul taught fathers about effective parenting in Ephesians 6:4?
3. It has been argued that either parents teach their children self-control through a small degree of pain now for wrong behavior, or life will teach them self-control later through experiencing much greater pain for wrong behavior. Do you agree or disagree? How would you support your argument?
4. How have you learned to take ownership—responsibility for your own feelings, attitudes, and behavior instead of blaming other people or circumstances?

 For the printed version of this message click here.

For a summary of topics addressed by podcast series, click here.

For FREE downloadable studies on men’s issues click here.

To make an online contribution to enable others to hear about the podcast: (Click link and scroll down to bottom left)