safety valve.
(^) There is an important “before-command” safety valve for parents.
The wise parent will weigh whether the directive he is giving is
necessary and appropriate.
(^) For example, imagine your child is reading in bed. It is time for
lights out. You could simply throw the switch. You could tell him to
shut off the lights. Either way, the child’s duty is to obey. Or you
could ask, “How many pages to the end of that chapter? Oh, only a
page and a half. Okay, you may finish and then turn off the lights.” As
a wise parent, you must exercise sensitivity to your child’s needs and
wishes as you provide direction. By doing so, you model godly
authority that is truly kind.
Pattern for Appeal
(^) Here are some important guidelines to follow in making a biblical
appeal.
(^) 1) You begin to obey immediately, not after appeal.
(^) 2) You must be prepared to obey either way.
(^) 3) You must appeal in a respectful manner.
(^) 4) You must accept the result of the appeal with a gracious
spirit.
Illustration of Appeal
(^) Mother says, “It is time to go to bed.” The child begins to head for
bed, and while en route may ask, “Is it okay if I finish coloring this
picture first?” Mother may say, “Yes, that would be okay,” or she
may say “No, dear, you were up late last night. You need your sleep.”
Whichever the answer, the child must be prepared to obey without
challenge, without excuse, without delay.
(^) It should be our habit to say “Yes” to a request unless there are
good reasons to say “No”. It is easy to say “No” because we do not