What an incredibly effective strategy Satan has implemented to weaken Christian homes. He truly is our cunning and deceitful adversary. Even though he is a defeated foe because of Calvary, he is still very active in opposing us. So, it would be wise for us to be familiar with his methods of operation so that we will not be duped by his “schemes” (Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Eph. 6:11).
In a recent poll conducted on this blog, those who participated indicated that busy schedules are their number one obstacle to having consistent family devotional time. I am not surprised at all by those results because I believe this reveals the primary tactic Satan has employed to keep Christian families today from pursing God’s agenda for their lives.
I truly believe that Satan’s strategy is to use cultural pressure and expectations to tempt Christian families into overly committing themselves to activities that provide little or no spiritual benefits. Many Christian parents would agree that the spiritual health of their children should be their most important priority. But then, have to face multiple temptations to fall into the mainstream trap of allowing too many spiritually unproductive activities to soak up their discretionary time.
Gone are the days when a child would normally be allowed to play on one organized sport team each year. Today, children are pushed to become multi-sport athletes before they have even learned to run to first base after they hit the ball. While sports alone can be consuming (I am speaking from experience), a child learning to play a musical instrument or joining various clubs at school may be added to the schedule as well. Factor in a parent’s work schedule and individual interests and soon anything that might provide some spiritual benefit has been squeezed out of the picture.
Please, do not misinterpret what I am saying. The activities I mentioned are not bad things, and sometimes they do help teach your child discipline, teamwork, and diligence. However, parents must resist the pressure to over commit and then seek moderation so that spiritually beneficial activities are incorporated into their family’s schedule. I want to close by sharing a few thoughts that might help you win this battle for your family’s time.
-Avoid letting your schedule dictate your family’s priorities. What consumes your time, money and energy is by default your priority.
-Avoid the false guilt that you are in some way neglecting your child if you do not allow them to be involved in everything they wish. This also goes for material things as well.
-Avoid letting your child dictate your schedule. Children want to do everything and have no sense of moderation and time restraints. You are the adult so you determine your family’s schedule.
-Avoid the temptation to make the popular decision over the right decision when it comes to family activities. Parents are responsible for leading their family on a godly path not gaining popularity with their children. The pressure to be a “cool parent” is intense these days.
-Set aside “sacred time” every day for your family to have devotions together. Sacred time means that nothing gets scheduled over it and nothing prevents it except a true emergency. In the morning is typically the best time to have family devotions. However, you may find that a different time of day helps your family to be more consistent.
-Stay informed about church activities that are provided for families to participate in together. The newsletter and church website are good sources of information.
-Be proactive in planning opportunities for your family to eat, play, and talk with one another when you are at home together. If you are not a particularly creative person, like myself, there are resources at the Christian bookstore and online that can help give you some ideas.
-Remember, as Christians, we are swimming against the flow. Your family will look different from the cultural norm if you are truly making God’s agenda yours. Don’t mind if your family seems “peculiar.”
Ephesians 5:15-16 says “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” Are you walking wisely as you plan the use of your family’s time?
No comments:
Post a Comment