Keith asks about the role of parents raising kids and the role of husbands shepherding wives.  About the children, first, you asked, Keith, “How do you teach your children to submit and how can the church come along side of you?”  Great questions.  Here’s a very brief response.

First, Deana and I aim to model the Christian life for our kids.  It is our intention that they would see us humbling ourselves before the Lord, submitting to His authority in very practical ways.  Second, we seek to discipline our children firmly and lovingly.  I remember talking to a friend who has older kids (college and high school) about discipline.  He gave me great, simple advice: “Be consistent.”  In my household, this will mean not only teaching them to know when they can expect to be disciplined but helping them understand sin, sin against their parents and, more importantly, sin against God.  We want to consistently point them to the Cross and teach them that their only hope is found in Christ’s suffering and resurrection.  Third, I’m especially helped by the biblical commands to fathers in Eph. 6:4 and Col. 3:21, “do not provoke your children” lest they be led to anger or discouragement.  It’s obvious but my attitude and actions toward my kids affects them.  So, instead of leaving them discouraged I want to leave them encouraged.  I want them to see that submitting to the authority of their their mom and dad is a privilege and a joy.  This is a tall order because they are sinners . . . but this is my prayer.  Fourth, we pray for them daily, that they would learn to submit to us and to God.

Keith, here is a start to your questions . . . more later.

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