The Sacrificial Steak
Theme of the Week: Filling Your Family Role
Friday, December 4, 2009
 1 of 1
Key Bible Verse: Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged (Colossians 3:21). Bonus Reading: Ephesians 6:4; Ephesians 5:28-29
I was delighted when my 12-year-old daughter, Amy, told me she might not want to go to church anymore. Not because of what she said but because she came to me to discuss the matter.
So, I pushed a busy schedule from my mind. Anything I had planned was suddenly unimportant.
After ordering juice and cake at a local cafe, we started our conversation. I talked about my faith and the rocky road that led me to it. She talked about spiritual ideas her friends were pursuing and expressed some of her doubts about her beliefs. I tried not to push for closure, but she knew which way I wanted her to go.
Our talk then turned to food and her vegetarian diet. As she explained her thinking, I had to admit her ideas made some sense. So, I was faced with an interesting choice. She had listened to me and I hoped she would take my opinions on board. Was I prepared to extend her the same courtesy? Would I sacrifice steak if I thought it would help save my child?
Well, we both went veggie for a while but the lure of a good burger eventually got to both of us. Oh—and Amy's still a regular church-goer.
—David McLaughlan
My Response: Do my wife and kids feel like they can talk to me about anything? What topics have I labeled "taboo"?
Thought to Apply: A family is a place where principles are hammered and honed on the anvil of everyday living.—Charles Swindoll (pastor & author)
Copyright © 2009 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
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Lord, teach me to be a good steward of my family time and convict me when I am not.
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