Devotions with Daddy - Part IV

Ok, so we’ve discussed the need for Daddy to lead the children in their daily quiet time. (Devotions with Daddy – Part I) We’ve presented ideas for how Daddy can lead while away, (Part II) as well as possible passages or Biblical themes to use (Part III). We still need to address a few important questions. What if the Daddy is not a Christian? What if he has no interest in leading his children in this way? How can you, the wife, get him to do it? Guess what? You shouldn’t try! Bear with me for a few minutes; I believe it will make sense.

1 Peter 3:1-6 addresses several key issues which apply directly to the subject at hand. The verses immediately preceding this passage (1 Pet. 2:21-25) speak of the sacrifice Christ made for us, and how “…when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not…” Then, chapter 3:1 states: “Likewise ye wives, be in subjection to your husbands…” I realize I may have already lost some of you on this because of how the world has distorted the woman’s view of being in subjection, or submitting. A Biblical view of submission, however, is vastly different from the distorted image presented to us by the world. Remember the context of a key passage that speaks to this topic, where husbands are told to love their wives “…as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.” (Eph. 5:25). Husbands would do well to imitate that love! Now, back to the topic at hand… Wives are challenged in 1 Pet. 3:1 on how to deal with unbelieving husbands. The husband can be won (to Christ), not by the wife’s persuasive speech, but rather by her silence. Are you willing to let God speak to your husband, through His Holy Spirit, to convict him of sin, rebuke him, correct him, etc.? You’ll find God to be much more successful than you. What can you do, then? PRAY! Come before the Father daily in prayer for your husband. Pray that you will submit daily in such a way that your gentle and joyful spirit will be a testimony to your husband.

Relating to the devotional time, then, I suggest you pray about that as well. Whether or not your husband is a believer, he may think it is a good idea, but doesn’t want to (or cannot) lead the child himself. You can show respect for your husband, and allow him to direct the quiet time by seeking his counsel. Ask him which passages you should lead your child through. Discuss with your husband the things your child is learning through this. Be sure to point out to your child that the passage you are studying is the one Daddy directed. Be careful! Don’t try to manipulate him into leading! By the way, slipping copies of this article under his pillow will probably not help either.

If you (wives) end up leading your children in the quiet time, God can still bless. I believe Timothy gives a good example of a godly young man who was influenced by the faith of his mother and grandmother (2 Tim. 1:5). It is vital that you do everything you can to show your child that you respect, honor, and love their Daddy. Don’t criticize him for not leading. Don’t vent your frustrations toward him with your child. The end result will be disastrous, spiritually.

One last thing to remember is that you, as a mother, have an incredible opportunity to help set the tone in your home. You have the amazing privilege of blessing your family. How? This can only be achieved through your gentle and joyful spirit – not through a critical and sarcastic attitude. There are countless ways in which you can share the wonderful Word of God with your children. You can teach them as you work with them, as you train them, and as you play with them. It would be far better to have a mother like the one described here than to have one who sits to have a quiet time each day with her children but who has bitterness and criticism toward her husband, constantly causing dissention in her home. You see, it’s more than merely reading and learning God’s Word; the Truth must be lived out in love. (James 1:22).

                                                                                                                                                    - Eric