As a young father, most of my days were spent teaching my kids lessons like how to respect people and things, how to budget their money, how to ride a bike, or how to pursue their own relationship with God. Now that they’re all post-college-aged adults, it’s funny to see how these teaching moments have changed just a bit.
Sure, I still give advice, but now I’m the one calling them up every time I have trouble with my iPhone, iPad, laptop or smart TV. I think it’s God’s funny way of fulfilling Malachi 4:6—continually turning parent’s hearts toward their children!
With all joking aside, turning our hearts toward our families is one of the greatest things we can do in our lives on earth. The fact is that culture would love to take your family out. The question is, are you going to let them?
There’s one man in the Bible that saved his family— not just metaphorically, but literally too. His name was Noah. Noah was a 9th generation descendant of Adam, and he was listed as a faith-giant in Hebrews 11. Verse 7 says, “By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family…”
Here’s the backstory. By the time Noah was a father, the world had grown corrupt. Noah and his family were the only ones left who feared God. So, God spoke to him to build an ark (a boat.) God was about to send a flood, and he wanted Noah and his family to stay safe.
Here’s where the faith part comes in. When God spoke this word to Noah, it had never rained, much less flooded. After He spoke it, it took years to come to pass. But regardless of reason, Noah worked to build the ark that would save his family.
I think it’s time that we, too, decide to build an ark to save our families. Not a literal one—but one that is built by faith just the same. Noah’s life gives us a good picture of how.
First, we can build our ark by establishing holy fear. Noah was big on talking to his kids about their godly ancestors and how faith had led to fruitfulness for generations. We have to do the same. If not through our family line, we can show them God working through history.
Secondly, we must engage in God’s work. Noah wasn’t all talk— he actually built the ark. When our kids see us not just sitting in church but actually serving and pouring our lives out for God, they will catch on. Finally, we must esteem God’s truth. Noah didn’t let wrong philosophies get ahold of his kids. He didn’t let peer pressure, materialism, or addictions get them sidetracked. If we want our kids safe, we mustn’t allow it either.
Parents, no matter what’s going on in your families, you can start building your ark today. Together, let’s choose faith that stands unsinkable!
