Text:
1 Samuel 3:29
Topic: How to raise children.
Introduction
A father's mission is to raise his children to know and respond to the voice of God.
God calls people to himself in special places.
Illustration: MacDonald begins a single illustration that composes the rest of the sermon—a walk through his former house, describing scenes from each room that each illustrate a responsibility of parenting.
Parents' greatest duty is to make their home a place where people grow.
Admonish your family to build one another.
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Illustration: In the breezeway, MacDonald encountered two bickering children and taught them that the home was a place for building one another.
Learn to talk to each other.
Illustration:
In the kitchen, MacDonald's family learned to talk with one another.
Discern when to protect and when to stand aside.
Illustration:
In the living room, MacDonald's daughter sat trying to make a difficult decision and he offered her freedom to choose on her own or to be given a father's protection.
Learn to flex within your principles.
Illustration:
When MacDonald's arbitrary "No" sent his son to tears, he created a compromise that ended up teaching his son a great lesson.
Be open and available for deep heart conversations.
Illustration:
In his bedroom, MacDonald hears his son's confession of receiving a speeding ticket.
Illustration:
In his bedroom, MacDonald hears his daughter first speak of love for a man she eventually married.
Release your children to grow through experience.
Illustration:
The garage reminds MacDonald of teaching his son to drive in rush hour and then releasing him to do so.
Be willing to make painful decisions.
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Illustration: In the dining room, MacDonald taught his children a tough lesson by canceling his own birthday party when they chose to be more concerned about other interests.
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