God's Parenting Playbook: Divine Strategies for Earthly DadsSample

TEACHING THROUGH EXAMPLE AND STORY: PAYING FAITH AND VALUES FORWARD

Let’s aim to pass on our knowledge of God and faithfulness to God to our children like Lois and Eunice did in 2 Timothy 1:5.

God teaches us through both His actions and His words. He demonstrates His character through how He treats us, and He also tells us stories—through Scripture—that help us understand His nature and our place in His bigger picture. As fathers, we have the same dual responsibility: to live out our faith authentically and to intentionally share the stories and truths that will help our children grow.

Teaching through example means our children learn more from watching us than from listening to our lectures. They see how we handle stress, disappointment, and conflict. They observe how we treat people who serve us, how we respond when someone cuts us off in traffic, and how we act when we think no one important is watching. They notice whether our faith makes a practical difference in how we live.

I realized that my son was watching me when he was only a few months old. The weight of that responsibility seemed heavy. What example was he going to see? When I realized that I did not have to carry that burden alone, everything changed. God had this. He had it when I was a good example and when I fell short. He was there to guide me and to pick me up when I stumbled. It was not about being perfect but more about the effort and consistency and keeping my eyes on Him.

But examples alone aren't enough. We also need to be intentional about having conversations that help our children understand the why behind our actions and beliefs. This doesn't mean constantly preaching at them, but rather looking for opportunities to connect life experiences to bigger truths about God, character, and purpose.

The Deuteronomy passage (Deuteronomy 6:4-9)describes this—teaching happens "when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." It's woven into the fabric of everyday life rather than only in teaching moments.

This might mean sharing stories from your own childhood that illustrate important lessons. It could involve talking through current events in age-appropriate ways that help them develop a biblical worldview. It might include bedtime conversations about what they learned that day or discussions in the car about the character qualities they see in their friends.

We also teach through the stories we tell about our family's values and legacy. What stories do your children know about their grandparents, their heritage, and the values that have shaped your family? How do you help them see themselves as part of God's bigger story rather than just living for their immediate desires and goals?

The key is making these conversations natural and relationship-based rather than forced or preachy. When your children trust you and enjoy spending time with you, they're much more likely to be open to the wisdom and truth you want to share with them.

Reflection Questions:

1. What are your children learning from watching your daily life and responses to situations?
2. How often do you have intentional conversations about faith, values, and life's bigger questions?
3. What stories and truths do you most want to pass on to your children about God and life?

Next Steps:

• Look for one natural opportunity this week to connect a daily experience to a bigger truth about God or character.
• Ask your child about their day and listen for teachable moments in their experiences.
• Consider what family values and stories you want your children to remember and pass on to their own children someday.

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