Key Bible Verse: My child, how I will rejoice if you become wise. Yes, my heart will thrill … (Proverbs 23:15-16). Bonus Reading: Proverbs 23:22-26

When Rob picked Nick up from school, he asked, "Mind if I play you a couple of CDs?"

Nick rolled his eyes and said, "Are you kidding?"

"I listened to your music," Rob persisted. "Just listen to these songs and tell me what you think." Nick shrugged.

Rob started the first song with the volume cranked up. Nick couldn't believe his ears. "What's this?" he asked.

"Just something I picked up that I thought you might enjoy," Rob replied. He added that while he wanted Nick to be free to listen to the style of music he liked, he was concerned with the behavior and some lyrics of the groups Nick was listening to. "Would you feel comfortable reading those lyrics to me or our pastor?" Rob asked. He told Nick he just wanted to make him aware that several Christian groups played the same type of music.

That evening Rob and Nick went to the Christian bookstore and picked out eight additional CDs that Nick liked. Rob gladly paid the hefty price for them. Nick now plays in a Christian rock band, and while Rob still doesn't care for the style of music Nick likes, he loves the message that Nick is getting.

—Mark Holmen in Faith Begins at Home

My Response: Am I, like Rob, prepared to distinguish style from substance?

Thought to Apply: One day your children should be able to look back and say, "My family was the one place where I felt I could be myself—and be loved for it."—BILL HYBELS

Adapted from Faith Begins at Home (Regal, 2005) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Lord, You've appointed me to be Your ambassador to my family. Help me to faithfully represent You.

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