Dad Lessons
“Now, in traditional conservative cultures, they would often say the main goal of child rearing is control. Get those kids under control. But now in liberal, modern, Western cultures, we would often say the main goal of child rearing is affirmation and love. But Proverbs is actually more nuanced than either one of those positions. It says, the main purpose of parenting is to make your children wise. The main goal in parenting is to make your children wise. Not just to control them, not just to affirm them, but to make them wise.” – Pastor Tony Walliser
Dad Lessons
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
– Proverbs 22:6 ESV
Looking back on life as a dad, these are some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned:
- You have to be trained on the job, in the trenches, under fire… but striving to follow the Word and learning from good examples helps make you better.
- The 5 most important phrases to use (and mean) with your kids:
- “I love you”
- “I was wrong“
- “You are meant to be great for God ~ Dream Big and Chase Him“
- “Shine ~ Shine where you are… in who you are… in what you’re doing“
- “Remember who you are…and Whose you are. Live what you say you believe.”
- Love hurts and heals… and gives your life meaning.
- When your kids have a great mother, being a father is easier. Love her well. Show your children the example of Jesus’ love for them to see and embrace.
“The key to these relationships and loving others is to remind yourself of the loving relationship you have with Christ. The apostle Paul, when he is telling spouses how to love, he reminds them how much they are loved by Jesus. Look at Ephesians 5:2 – ‘Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her.’” – Pastor Tony Walliser
- No time invested or sacrifice made for your wife and children is ever wasted or regretted.
“Do you see what is important to Solomon? Wisdom, understanding, insight and knowledge. He wanted his children to pay attention and hold on to and guard those things. That was his goal.” – Pastor Tony Walliser
As we grow in our knowledge, wisdom, and faith in Jesus. Let’s pass it on and teach our children well.