Parenting has its easy tasks and then its hard tasks. The hard tasks are the ones that define us as parents. Are we willing to do the necessary work to help our kids grow up and become what God has planned for their life? Share the Table Talk for March and discuss it with your family.
Say This
(it’s OK if you read this word-for-word)
As a parent, sometimes it feels like all we get to do is be the “bad guy”. “Go to your room.” “Pick up your clothes.” “Finish your homework.” “You’re grounded.” (As long as there is not a recent incident, ask your kids to recall a time when you had to discipline them and share…you might even get a good laugh.) A big part of being a parent is providing discipline and guidance when it is needed. It can be hard for the parent and the child, and can sometimes lead to frustration, anger, and hurt feelings. Unfortunately, it is part of the job. God expects a parent to do what is best for their children even when it is difficult. God also commands parents to lead their families spiritually.
Read This
Deuteronomy 6:5-9 (Have your kids read if possible)
Say This
(again, read this as is…)
In these verses Moses gives instructions to the Israelite people, but the principles certainly apply to families today. God makes it clear that it is not enough for parents to seek Him, but that they also have a responsibility to share God’s word with their family. Verse seven says to talk about God’s commands “when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” The point here is that God’s Word should not just be something we hear for a few minutes on Sunday, but should be a regular part of our lives. In everything we do (school, sports, what we talk about, what we watch on TV), God’s desire is for us to keep Him and His Word on our minds. There are many ways we can do this, but God makes it clear in this passage that He wants our family to spend time together in His Word.
Ask This
- Name one part of your life where it is difficult for you to talk about/think about the things of God? Why is this difficult for you (peer pressure, stress, too busy, feel alone)?
- How can our family pray for this situation in your life? How can we help?
- What are some ways our family can do a better job of talking about God’s Word when we are together
Pray This
God, thank you for our family. Thank you for bringing us together in the way you have, and for all the ways you have blessed us. God, as a father I confess that don’t have all the answers, and that I often mess things up. Please help me lead my family in a way that honors you, and help my family be patient with me when I mess things up. Help us talk about you when we are together, and live for you when we are apart. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Try This
Plan a night in the next few weeks where everyone comes to dinner ready to share a favorite Bible verse. Have everyone read their verse during dinner, and share why it is special to them. Be a Rock Star Dad Have a “Pot-Luck” dinner. Have everyone choose one item that will be served that night at dinner, no matter how random (Think eggs, marshmallows, creamed corn, and pizza). The meal might not win any awards, but it will be a dinner that your family will never forget. Share your favorite verses during the meal, and you are sure to make a Christ-centered memory with your family.