Most Christian dads say that God is number one, but is it really happening? Here's how to follow Parenting Principle #1, ancient advice from Abraham to Jesus.
Talking Points:
- Parenting is like everything else in life: if you put God first, the rest of it falls into place. That’s why our first Parenting Principle is: put God first. Deuteronomy 5:7-21,33, Matthew 6:33
- The command to obey applies to both parents and kids: parents obey God and kids obey parents. The fifth commandment (honor your parents) serves as a bridge between the “love God” and “love people” commandments. Deuteronomy 6:1-3, Ephesians 6:1-3
- Wholehearted obedience should impact every part of our lives – both personally and as a family unit. Learn to practice spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible reading, and family time. Deuteronomy 6:4-7
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- Did you grow up in a home with spiritual values? How have those values shaped you as a parent?
- How would you describe the current spiritual climate in your home?
- Do you currently make a habit of reading and praying on your own? How can your spiritual habits affect the rest of the family?
- Read Deuteronomy 6:1-3. According to this passage, what is a parent’s responsibility? Why does obedience lead to a blessed life?
- Read Ephesians 6:1-3. Why do you think Paul emphasizes the importance of obeying parents? How does learning to obey parents help kids to obey God as adults?
- Read Deuteronomy 6:4-7. Evaluate your family priorities right now. What are some practical things you can do, as a family, to pursue God together?
- Check out pursuegodkids.org and pursuegod.org How can utilizing topics from these sites help to facilitate productive Family Talk time?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
