“Trust and obey—for there is no other way—to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey.”
There is a logical progression from building trust to nurturing willing obedience. In the early lives of our children, we are assumed trustworthy until proven otherwise. As they grow in their ability to make choices, the temptation to test the boundaries and relevance of their parent’s rules and resolve will be irresistible.
Pause and Reflect: Can you think of a time when your parent did something to fortify your trust in them or a time when your trust was shaken by the way your parent behaved? (Note: The fact you can remember either one or both of these experiences is a clear indicator of their power.)
- List three ways you actively seek to build and retain your children’s trust in you.
- List three ways that you can unintentionally damage the trust of your children in you
- When are you most vulnerable to engaging in trust-breaking behavior, and why?
- What is your prayer?
Written by Phil Hodges
