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- Apr 25, 2006
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Dad, Equip Your Kids for the Real World! (2)
'...I am your spiritual father through the Gospel; that is why I implore you to follow [my] footsteps.' 1 Corinthians 4:15PHPS
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 make mistakes. Failing to recognise that just makes them self–deceived and sets them up for heartache. Children learn from failure how to deal with disappointment; 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…’ (Hebrews 9:27 KJV) Let them know that death is universally ordained because of the sin of humanity. Tell them that life, however long, is a gift to be maximised, 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 honour, they’ll admire, appreciate, and emulate their awesome dad!
written by Bob Gass
'...I am your spiritual father through the Gospel; that is why I implore you to follow [my] footsteps.' 1 Corinthians 4:15PHPS
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 make mistakes. Failing to recognise that just makes them self–deceived and sets them up for heartache. Children learn from failure how to deal with disappointment; 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…’ (Hebrews 9:27 KJV) Let them know that death is universally ordained because of the sin of humanity. Tell them that life, however long, is a gift to be maximised, 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 honour, they’ll admire, appreciate, and emulate their awesome dad!
written by Bob Gass
