‘Be On Your Guard’

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 gives us five great attributes of biblical manhood, and indeed, biblical fatherhood: “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love.” (NIV)

Paul starts with the idea of vigilance, and in today’s world, dads need to be more vigilant than ever. To be vigilant, you have to play good defense, and good offense.

Play Defense

This is the most obvious part of being vigilant with our kids—protecting them from things that would hurt them. Peter reminds us that the devil prowls around like a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8).

The enemy is stalking our kids through social media, popular movies and TV, unbiblical teaching in schools, and friends with immoral views on sexual activity, gender, and morality. To play good defense means to watch for these dangers and protect our kids from them.

Play Offense

But defense is only half the battle. It’s important that you play offense too. How? By looking for opportunities to engage your kids in godly conversations, missional opportunities and good teaching.

Make sure your kids have access to books that will help them learn about heroes of the faith from the Bible and church history. Create a family mission and serve together regularly—at a food pantry or shelter, for instance. And get involved in your church, putting your children around other godly men and women who can build into their lives.

The most powerful tool for both defense and offense is communication. Establishing an environment where your kids can both hear your heart and convictions, but also share their own doubts, fears and questions, will help protect them from evil, and show them opportunities to build God’s Kingdom.

Do you have kids 0-10? Join us on June 6 to learn how to be effective and intentional in discipling your kids in the little years. Learn more here: https://rb.gy/dklk0