Everything in life is a trade. You exchange something you have for something you want. Your time is the primary currency you begin with. Then you earn income and exchange that for things.

Now consider what will you exchange to bring up your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, to disciple them in the grace and love of the Lord Jesus Christ, to give them a love for the Lord and disdain the world? I believe the correct mindset for that trade is EVERYTHING. May we not hold anything back when it comes to our children. What does that mean practically?

It could mean:

• Dad takes a lower paying job so he has more time to work with and disciple his children.
• The family moves across town, or across the state, or across the country.
• The family drives farther to a church because it is likeminded.
• Dad gives up expensive hobbies to have more time and money for the family.
• Dad structures his day so that he has personal and family Bible time every day.
• Dad sees how negative entertainment is and chooses simple family pleasures.
• Ultimately Dad gives up his rights in exchange for the good of his family.

What a heartbreak to observe families losing children where Dad is unwilling to count the cost and give everything he holds dear for the good of his family.

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24).

Steve