A dad took his son skeet shooting. The young man at the range walked them through the safety procedures in their assigned stand. The boy was excited to be at the range with his dad and was in a hurry to start shooting the clay pigeons. Dad reiterated the importance of gun safety and that one is never to be in a hurry when handling a gun. It is critical to always follow the safety protocol and show respect for the range and others present.

The dad had been charged to initiate spiritual discussion with his kids between Sundays, so on the way home he asked his son if there was anything that happened at the range that reminded him of his walk with Christ. His son responded, “Sure! There is a right way to act when handling a gun. If you don’t act right, someone can get hurt. And, there is a right way to act as a Christian. If you don’t act right, you hurt Jesus.” The dad about drove off the road. Then he lifted a prayer up that his son would always keep it that simple.

Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. – Deuteronomy 11:18-19. When you sit, walk, lie down and get up – Dads are teaching 24/7! And with that responsibility, dads cannot let their guard down. We are challenged to act right, in accordance with our faith. Attentive eyes are watching and they will follow your example. The kids will catch what you have. The question is, is what you have what you want your kids to catch? Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place. – Ephesians 6:14. Putting on the belt of truth is analogous to living under the authority of the word of God. It is similar to the Old Testament call in Deuteronomy to ‘fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds.’ Once the authority of the word of God and His absolute truth are embraced, the charge is to have the breastplate of righteousness in place and do what is right. Dads are to act in a way that honors Jesus and points to the Father.

Tips to connect with your son:

• Read Robert Lewis’s Raising a Modern Day Knight; 
• Establish a routine ‘guys’ night’ and other one-on-one activities;
• Volunteer as a chaperone for the youth group or a school activity;
• Lead spiritual discussion in the home at least once a week;
• Schedule a weekend retreat and/or extended trip as an intentional effort to mature in relationship with your son as he matures.

Prayer guide: Lord, thank You for Your Word and for my son. I confess I have let myself get BUSY and I have failed to show interest in what my son is interested in. Forgive me. I do want to get to know my son well and let him get to know me. Help me identify opportunities to be engaged and involved in a way that allows our relationship to mature in an open and healthy way. That is the dad You call me to be, and that is the dad my son needs. Amen.

A faithful father acts in a way that honors Jesus and points to the Father.