Dads: How to Make the Most of the Coronavirus

There are some harsh realities of the world we find ourselves in. Coronavirus has dramatically transformed our cultural landscape. But if we are looking for a silver lining to the social distancing and the quarantines, it's that many of us are finding that we're slowing down and spending more time with our families.

Coronavirus has dramatically transformed our cultural landscape.

In light of this, I found myself wondering how we can make the best of this time. Dads, how many times have you said, "I wish I knew when I was young the things I know now"? I know I've thought that very thing. Well, this pandemic has allowed you some unforeseen time with your children to make sure they never have to make that statement!

You know one of the best ways to make sure a young person knows now what you know is for you to teach them what you have learned! And what better time to teach them than now.

Ephesians 6:4 says, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." If you're like me, there have been times where you to correct your children in a way that exasperates them and provokes them to anger. Why? Because this kind of parenting doesn't require time and effort. But bringing them up in discipline and instruction of the Lord takes self-control, knowledge of Scripture, and intentionality.

Have you ever received any instruction that you could follow that didn't require time to be understood clearly? So this pandemic has forced us to slow down and has given us unexpected time to disciple our children. Don't waste it! 

No one can replace you in the lives of your children. The influence you have on your children cannot be replicated by anyone else, so I want to challenge you to use it correctly.

As you think about making the most of this coronavirus "slow down," remember these things:

You do not have to be a biblical scholar.

There are some great devotionals that you can use to teach your children. There are limitless online resources. You don't have to prepare a 30-minute Bible study lesson. Keep it short, but make sure it has some depth. Children don't have long attention spans, but they can handle depth and truth. If you don't know where to start, start somewhere: share a favorite with them and discuss why you like it. 

Let them ask questions.

Don't be concerned if you don't have the answer right away. Find the answer in Scripture together. You can search the Bible for any topic. You find out so much about where your child is spiritually by listening.

Don't use the excuse of your past life.

Satan loves this trick! You are parenting from the perspective of who you are in Christ today, not who you once were. God is a perfect father, and that's who you ultimately want them to serve.

Pray over your children.

Dad, please take this time to lay hands on your children and let them hear you pray over them. They will never forget the power of their father's prayers.
Be thankful, men, that God loves our children and us enough that He has allowed a time like this to slow down our busy lives enough for us to remember our most important job of spiritually leading our homes. "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." - Joshua 24:15b

Then when your children are adults, they won't have to say that they wish they knew what they know now when they were young. They will get that wisdom while they are young because their Dad took the time to teach them. 

 This Online Article and Training was written by guest author Rick Burgess. Rick is the co-host of the nationally syndicated Rick and Bubba Show. Rick has spoken at youth events, men's events, and marriage conferences across the country, all while teaching youth and men's Bible studies on a weekly basis.