When we stop talking, bad things happen. Dads and moms of teenagers know it is critical to keep the conversation going on whatever is happening in the kids’ world. The home has to be a ‘safe place’ for any questions and honest dialogue. If it is not, friends and social media will fill the void and introduce a new level of influence that may contradict values instilled during their younger years.
When folks are talking, even arguing, there is potential for healthy dialogue. In the 1960s, the nation was facing two major issues and healthy dialogue was not happening. The issues were the Vietnam war and civil rights. People stopped talking and started rioting. And there were three assassinations in a five-year period – President John F. Kennedy, minister and civil rights activist Martin Luther King Jr., and presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy. It was an ugly decade.
While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, he was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. So he reasoned in the synagogue with both Jews and God-fearing Greeks, as well as in the marketplace day by day with those who happened to be there. – Acts 17:16-17. Paul opened the door to conversation. This passage says nothing about preaching to lost people. It says “he reasoned” with them. He initiated honest and open dialogue around why they worshipped what they worshipped. Dialogue conveys respect. Empathetic listening opens the door to connection. Once connection is made, the hard questions can be processed. In the case of Paul at Athens, he initiated dialogue around the plethora of idols being worshipped. Verse 23 says that he had walked around and looked carefully at their “objects of worship”. Then he connected with the religiosity of their worship practices, even to the point of locating an altar with the inscription, “TO AN UNKNOWN GOD”. At that point, the door opened for Paul to proclaim, “The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands.” – Acts 17:24. Certainly, there was some disagreement with Paul’s claims, particularly around the resurrection of Jesus the Christ, but many wanted to hear from him again. And some became followers of Paul. Dads are charged to set the tone in the home by teaching family values and faith early on in a child’s life. Then he and mom must stay engaged through the teen years to coach the kids through their choices in the midst of cultural influences. Proclaim God and His word.
Charlie Kirk, co-founder of Turning Point USA, made it his life’s mission to reason with, initiate a dialogue with, start a conversation with young people that believe in all kinds of little ‘g’ gods the culture proclaims. He met kids where they were, listened well and proclaimed the “God who made the world and everything in it”. As a Christian, he stood firm under the authority of the word of God and referenced it as absolute truth. Certainly, there was some disagreement but many kept showing up to talk more. And some started new chapters of Turning Point USA. Some stopped talking. Charlie Kirk was assassinated as he “reasoned with” students on September 10, 2025.
Prayer guide: Thank You Lord for Your Word that helps to keep the conversation going with You. I confess I was in dialogue with the world of success, status and money. I did not read Your book until I was in my 30’s. Forgive me. I do want to lead my family under the authority of Your word and help them embrace absolute truth. Grant me strength to lead spiritually by example, proclaim You and keep the conversation going. That is the dad You call me to be, and that’s the dad the next generation needs. Amen.
A faithful father proclaims God and keeps the conversation going.
