I just finished day 4 of the @YouVersion plan Becoming A Battle Ready Father. Check it out here: Staying Far From the Enemy As a father of boys, I have noticed that they respond well to metaphors, whether verbally described, visually illustrated or physically demonstrated. For all I know, these also work with girls, but that is above my pay grade. Here is one example you can use to illustrate an essential principle to your boys. The concept: staying as far away from evil as we possibly can. The metaphor: digging our wells outside the archers range. If you were my son, Id describe it like this. First, you must realize that there is a battle raging for your life. The enemy is camped a few miles away with arrows aimed your direction. His archers cannot quite reach your city limits. Your wall is sturdy and as long as you are within it you are relatively safe. You have been assigned the task of securing water for the kingdom. You must dig a well. You have 3 choices: a) dig inside your city wall, b) dig about 100 yards outside the city, or c) dig about 2 miles from the city. The first location is clearly best, providing the most protection so you can dig safely and quickly. The second location is acceptable as it is outside the range of enemy archers. With someone keeping watch, you can dig unimpeded. The third location however is terribly risky. If you choose it, you will need guards and even you yourself might have a shovel in one hand and a shield in the other. The point: men are often thrilled by the prospects of adventure, risk or challenge. We may be drinking from the well in our own village, but we become bored. We wonder about the sweet taste of the water from more exotic wells. So, we venture out. However, in our endless thirst for something new, we lose sight of the city. Before we realize whats happened, we have been speared by the enemys arrow. This metaphor works great with topics such as dating, music, movies and friends. As our son makes choices in these areas, is he staying safely within the protection of his parents and The Lord? Or, in seeking thrills and danger, has he wandered within firing range of the enemy’s camp? This works great as a visual, for an idea on how to draw it out click here. So she seduced him with her pretty speech and enticed him with her flattery. He followed her at once, like an ox going to the slaughter. He was like a stag caught in a trap, awaiting the arrow that would pierce its heart. He was like a bird flying into a snare, little knowing it would cost him his life. So listen to me, my sons, and pay attention to my words. Don’t let your hearts stray away toward her. Don’t wander down her wayward path. For she has been the ruin of many; many men have been her victims. Her house is the road to the grave. Her bedroom is the den of death. (Proverbs 7:21-27 NLT) While I was at the window of my house, looking through the curtain, I saw some naive young men, and one in particular who lacked common sense. He was crossing the street near the house of an immoral woman, strolling down the path by her house. It was at twilight, in the evening, as deep darkness fell. (Proverbs 7:6-9 NLT) And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. (James 1:13-15 NLT) bible/r/Ft
Posted on: Sat, 27 Dec 2014 02:55:09 +0000
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