Survival Gear for DadsSample

Day 2 

Tool 2: Know Scripture

When I say “know Scripture” I’m not simply talking about knowledge about Scripture. J. I. Packer wrote in Knowing God about two kinds of people: the “balconeers” and the “travelers”. Picture folks sitting on a balcony of a home in a city, watching travelers go by. Balconeers might talk about the way the travelers walk, the terrain, and so on. But, their discussion is in theory only.

The travelers, on the other hand, actually face the problems—from which way to go and even how to make it. The travelers have actual experience. They speak from practice over theory. Dad, you are to be a fellow traveler with your family—not a balconeer.

God has chosen to speak to us through His Word. May we turn our knowledge about God and His Word into actually knowing Him and doing His will. You and I need a command of God’s Word so we can shine the light of God’s truth into the lives of our families.

The godly dad knows the Bible and points his family to God. And, if you think Bible knowledge is reserved for the 'preachers and professionals' in your kids' lives, think again. Deuteronomy 6:6-8 says, “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” 

There are many ways God’s Word shines light on our path. For example, God’s Work will guide you through difficult choices (Prov. 3:5-6) and help you discern right from wrong (Ps. 119:105). And, we have Psalm 119:11 which says, “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.”

The one light source that will never fade or lead us astray—God’s Word. When your child asks a question, how do you illuminate their path?