Fw Ep 54 Protect and Prepare

“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. Be on your guard.” Matthew 10:16-17a NIV How should we view our relationship with the world? Let’s go to the Bible to inform our expectations on this. Jesus told his disciples, as he sent them out to preach, to be shrewd as snakes and innocent as doves. It seems to me, we emphasize “innocent as doves” and neglect shrewd as snakes. In so doing, we set our kids up for trouble. We are not called to stay safe, passive, cloistered, and hidden away from the world. We have a mission and purpose. Jesus challenged us to go into all the world and preach the good news. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 NIV. Jesus intended for us to take ground, not cower under a rock. He wants us to live rich lives, not be ruled by fear. Influence the world, not succumb to the pattern of the world. Shrewd thinkers have sharp powers of judgment. They are proactive in protecting themselves. They are strategic in their activities. Teach your kids to be proactive influencers in the world while staying on guard against destructive wolves. Modeling themselves after the shrewdness of the snake can help kids live successful lives. Great! How do you do this? From the earliest stages, present your kids with challenges and difficulties. Do not shelter them from all the consequences of their actions. Let them struggle to achieve little goals. Unless it is too far beyond their skill level, don’t step in to fix it for them. “I can’t do it, Dad.” You reply, “Sure you can, why don’t you try it like this.” When they rise to meet a challenge, applaud them for the courage to try something hard. Give them a mission and purpose beyond just being a kid. Let them contribute to the family. Teach them what the Bible says about God’s mission for all believers. Help them see that joining God in His work is deeply fulfilling. I want to equip my kids to assert positive change in the world. They are God’s tools to fulfill His plans in the future. My work is in sharpening His tools. Hey! That’s fatherhood. What greater purpose is there in life?