My, Devotional to Him #140
Sometimes I believe that one of the scariest or uncertain things happening is kids becoming adults. The kids will move out of their parents house and start their own journey in life on their own. This event is sometimes nerve racking for both child and parent.
We are going to look at three biblical principles that parents should do in order to prepare their child for adulthood.
1. Protect.
In 1 Peter 3:1-7 we read how a husband is to protect his wife and children from any physical harm. This however can be started and molded in a young man’s life. Such as killing bugs, locking doors at night, and getting up when there is strange noises, ect. Even though killing bugs seems like little protection. This in essence is creating a behavior of protection. An instinct to protect from potential harm. It is in small things that help build a mindset for instant reaction to big things.
In Proverbs 5 we read about the need to protect ourselves from adulterous women. These women are after married men and try to steal him away from his bride.
There is great need to protect our minds and hearts. One of the most destructive forces out there today is pornography. Men are surrounded by this and this has destroyed countless marriages and families. This is a gateway drug that leads to more sinister indulgences.
2. Provide.
As men, we are called to provide for the needs of our families. We were made to work and care for our families by providing physical, emotional, and spiritual support to each family member. We can find this in Genesis 1-2 and 1 Timothy 5:8.
Now teens don’t need to care for their families now. But the teen model can be working hard at school, sports, chores, part time work, hobbies that require work and effort, and whatever else in life that will help develop a work ethic that can later be taken into a job.
3. Lead.
We read many implications throughout the Bible to a man’s call as Christian husbands to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her as stated in Ephesians 5:22-33. One of the central ways Christ loved was through humble sacrifice.
Young men can sacrificially serve his mom and sisters to develop that instinct to lead by humble service in the home. These can be small things like lead a family walk, or pick where to go out to eat, thinking of everyone in the family for the best place to go. Those are little ways for a son to lead now (and teach daughters to follow) and think of how decisions impact others.
Parents, I urge you to be very intentional about not waiting on these kinds of conversations that should be taking place much earlier than 13 years old. Don’t be afraid of them. Don’t run from them and wait because you anticipate them being uncomfortable. I promise you it will be too late if you wait until it’s a must.
The world is full of vile evil things and the enemy will launch a full assault on Christian families. The most vulnerable people are teens who are never taught. Teens who can’t protect, provide, or lead. They stand little chance against the hordes of the enemy. The fruit of these conversations will become apparent when your child survives the onslaught. When they grow up to be protectors, providers, and leaders.
God bless.
Copyright © 2018 by Jacob D. Olinger
Spirit Warrior Ministry 