Guys, I want to talk about something that most men just don’t use. Many men call it that thing that you throw away when you open a box and begin to assemble the contents within. Some men call it extra packing in the box. Still others will say “it is for those who have no sense about them”. I am talking about instructions. You know, the thing, book, sheet, pamphlet, or even DVD that explains how the project is supposed to be done. Yeah, that is what we are talking about today.
So, instructions are more than just packing or the thing to check when you have exhausted every other available resource including YouTube. Instructions are there to help you keep your cool, give directions, and offer you a way to excel in what you are doing. Now, let’s relate that to your life and the life of your kids. Yeah, this may hurt a bit, but hang in there, it will be worth it.
Proverbs 19:16 (CSB)
16 The one who keeps commands preserves himself;
one who disregards his ways will die.
Instructions for Kids
Another word for command is instruction. When you are given a command, you are given instructions. You are told what to do, how to do it, and where to do it. “Son, go get the blue extension cord and bring it back to me.” This is something that most men have said to their son. You are giving a command to who – your son. Then you are giving a command to do what – get the blue extension cord. Lastly, you are giving a command to do what – get it and bring it to me. In that simple sentence, we are giving three different commands or instructions. Many times we will give our kids more than one sentence when we are giving instructions. When you stop and think about it, over a 2 minute conversation, you may give them fifteen different things to do. Think they may get confused? Wonder why they forget something? However, are you being clear? Are you being understood? When your wife asks you to come in so she can give your the red extension cord, you really question yourself and your instructions!
Let’s look at this.
Deuteronomy 6:2 (CSB)
2 Do this so that you may fear the Lord your God all the days of your life by keeping all his statutes and commands I am giving you, your son, and your grandson, and so that you may have a long life.
Deuteronomy 6:5-7 (CSB) Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. 6 These words that I am giving you today are to be in your heart. 7 Repeat them to your children. Talk about them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.
Instructions for Dad
Dad, are you following the commands that have been passed down to you? I know from experience that it is easy to yell, or fuss at someone when they don’t do what you tell them. Especially when you give “clear” instructions. But the instructions that you have been given here are also quite clear and to the point. Do this so that you may have long life. Then later in Proverbs, you will preserve himself. My question is are you working toward long life and preserving yourself?
Men, God gave very specific instructions to us as the leaders of the household. Instructions that are meant to be followed. Instructions that are valuable to the stability of the home. Are you reading your instructions? Or, are your instructions just sitting on the bedside or table waiting to be dusted? Thinking about reading the instructions only after you talk to everyone else, read “help books”, watch a video on what to do, or just try to ignore the problem you can’t solve.
Men, don’t wait till the last moment to pick up your instruction book and see what to do next. Don’t wait for the problem to arise and them seek and search for the answer. Be ready for what is to come and be ready with instructions to pass down to your son, and your grandson, and so that you may have a long life. Because instructions are valuable, so read them.
Till next time….
I’m just a Husband of a Homeschooling Mom,
Steve Blackston