have also known the joy of hearing children who have been biblically
engaged by their parents say, “Dad, I am amazed at how thoroughly I
have been prepared for life. I will always be grateful for what you and
Mom have given me.” What price tag can a parent place on that?
(^) God calls you to invest yourself in this way with your children.
This kind of communication is not just beneficial, it is mandated! It is
the path of blessing because it is the path of obedience. Is this kind of
communication expensive? Yes! But the benefits far exceed the cost.
(^) In the beginning of chapter 7, I laid out two methods for
childrearing—communication and the rod. In the next chapter we will
look at the place of the rod in biblical parenting.
Application Questions for Chapter 10
(^) 1. If you were to have the kind of communication with your
children outlined here, what would the costs be for you? Are you
willing to pay that price?
(^) 2. How are you at hearing what your child is saying?
(^) 3. Is confession of your sins, where appropriate, a regular part
of your communication with your children?
(^) 4. What are the sanctification issues that you would need to
address in order to lead your children in the ways set forth in this
chapter?
(^) 5. How can you help your children have a vision for the kind of
communication outlined in this chapter?
(^)