Daily Devotion

June 23, 2015

Dad, Equip Your Kids for the Real World! (2)


“There aren’t many fathers willing to take the time and effort to help you grow up.”      1Co 4:15 TM

Dad, do these three things for your kids: (1) Alert them to the dangers of having a sense of entitlement. Yes, they need parents who express unconditional love for them. But some of us think our kids can do no wrong—even when they do! Consequently they grow up having unrealistic expectations and a distorted view of how life works. Everybody gets a scorecard in life, and it records both our wins and our losses. Let your kids know that we all blow it. Failing to recognize that just makes them self-deceived and sets them up for heartache. Kids learn to deal with disappointment by experiencing failure; it prepares them for later life when things don’t go their way. (2) Teach them the truth about death—yours and theirs. The Bible says, “It is appointed unto men once to die” (Heb 9:27). Let them know that death is universally ordained and not a form of divine punishment. Tell them that life, however long, is a gift to be maximized, and heaven is a family reunion not to be missed. The death of a friend or loved one can be an opportunity to diminish their fears and equip them to handle loss, grief, and recovery. (3) Show them why you married their mother. It’s the most formative relationship in their early lives; one that will influence who they ultimately become, their choice of a partner, and their future happiness. When they see you loving their mother, treating her like a queen, and giving her consideration and honor, they’ll admire, appreciate, and emulate their awesome dad!

Share