Parents, I want to continue with the discussion questions that I began posting a couple Thursdays ago. Mark’s message on Sunday about David and Absalom and the lessons we learn and can apply in parenting are a good starting point for a list of questions today.

These questions are adapted from a seminar by Steve Shank entitled “Fathers and Sons” from the 2005 Sovereign Grace Ministries Leaders Conference. You can download it for free if you like.

• Do you have a divine perspective of your own salvation?
• Do you have a divine perspective of your children?
• Are you more aware of the prior activity of God in your children’s lives than the present deficiencies?
• When you correct, are the kids first aware of your love and affection for them? Ask your children about this!
• Do you ever lost track of what God has done in your children – the amount of growth that has taken place?
• What are areas that you have seen real change? When was the last time you communicated it to your child?
• Have there been any big changes you have not acknowledged thanks to God for His grace or appreciation for your child’s response to the grace of God? Ask your children about these questions and see if they have any other perspective.
• Are you going after the sin in your own heart and allowing your children to see that you are on the same road? What was the last sin you confessed to your children? Are you consistent in confession and asking forgiveness from your children when you offend them? Are there any unresolved issues or sins?
• Have you ever seen a change take place and then begin to focus solely on the next thing that needs to change or an area of growth? How would you respond to similar treatment by a spouse or friend?
• Can you receive correction humbly from your children? Do they know your faults and sin?
• Do your children feel your gratitude to God for them? Ask them to evaluate you. How do you do at expressing thanksgiving (it is different than simply feeling grateful).
• Do they think you are “on their side” – you are trying to help them and can relate to the struggle with sin they experience as a fellow sinner? Are you more aware of evidences of grace or areas needing growth?
• Have you imposed a timetable for growth and change? Do any areas come to mind? Can you see change when it happens? Are you looking for it?

Categories: Discussion Questions, Thursday Thoughts For Parents