Josh McDowell and Fireproofing the Family
Posted By Joe on April 19, 2009
My church is starting a new series on Fireproofing our marriages, children and families. To kick it off, Josh McDowell spoke this weekend at all services.
Josh McDowell
I was looking forward to his presentation, but I left with a much different result than I had expected. As I've mentioned, not only am I a father to a 16 month old, I'm also a stepfather to a 15 year old son. Josh's presentation was humbling to me and--just as the Bible is--it was sharper than a two-edged sword. I was laid bare and seemingly all my short-comings as a stepfather were exposed in the light of his words.
Josh's presentation wasn't necessarily revolutionary. In fact, it was quite commonsensical: if only we'd practice what he preached. It's all about relationships. It's so basic that sometimes I think we over look it and it should not be this way.
I told my wife that I feel I need to start over with my stepson and be a better stepdad to him. Gratefully, our relationship isn't bad. She just told me yesterday that she sees him emulating me in different ways and reminded me that I shouldn't think that he's not watching me or that I don't have any influence in his life.
The message was convicting, but I've gotten past the guilt and now desire to just start putting things into practice to "fireproof" our marriage and our family. It starts with some simple things that can make a profound impact:
- Tell your spouse that you love them and make sure your kids hear it and see it demonstrated.
- Hug your kids as much as you can and tell them you love them (yeah, it's that an obvious thing?).
- Engage your kids, communicate with them, listen to them and do everything you can to really understand them and what they are going through in their lives.
What's critical is that these things come from the husband and father! In our time, fatherhood has come under attack and in some cases, rightly so. But as fathers--we can impact a whole generation if we would just love our wives, stay committed to them, and to love and nurture our children. This isn't that difficult for me with regard to my 16 month old son, but I've finally realized that I need to earnestly learn and work on doing this for my stepson. It's not going to happen without my steadfast commitment in his life.
May He Increase!
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Joe,
Amen and amen to the stuff about the importance of dads. I learned it firsthand over and over again as a youth pastor. The kids with dads who loved them and stayed involved in their lives had such an advantage over those kids who didn't. We all need to be reminded of the influence we have on the kids in our own home and the other kids that we come in contact with through ministry as well.
I have long appreciated Josh McDowell and his ministry. I got the chance to meet him a few years ago when he came to Rapid City, SD three times in about four months. One of the events was a small conference just for pastors in the area and it was fantastic. He has a passion for sharing the truth and a penetrating message that cuts through the clutter. May you be blessed through this series at your church.
Hi Jeff,
I've certainly seen the value of fathers in my family and what happens when they are not present: physically or emotionally. It makes a huge impact.
Josh was indeed a blessing to hear. I knew he would be, just not in the way I was expecting. But that was a very good thing and it was definitely something from God.
Thanks much!
Wow! Love it & love you for the real man of God you are & man you are to our family!