Day 30—Throw Caution to the Wind?

            The world says, "Be daring."  "Throw caution to the wind."  "Rules are restricting and stifling."  What do you think?  Do boundaries touch your family in a confining, smothering way or are boundaries actually freeing for your family?

            What does the Bible say?

           

            Proverbs 3:7-8—"Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.  This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones."

            Proverbs 3:11-12—"My son, do not despise the Lord's discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in."

            Proverbs 3:21-23—"My son, preserve sound judgment and discernment, do not let them out of your sight; they will be life for you, an ornament to grace your neck.  Then you will go on your way in safety, and your foot will not stumble."

            None of these verses technically mention "rules" or "boundaries;" however, the passages suggest them in the words wisdom, judgment, and discernment.

            Your Turn:  Are you having problems relating this concept to your children?  Consider an amusement park ride.  No, not the carousel.  The giant roller coaster with the turns, the spirals, and the giant-head-banging drops.  Or if this is too scary for your kids, consider a ride that is a little frightening for them but that they still like.  Discuss the best parts and the scariest parts.  Then ask them, "How much fun would that ride be if it didn't have seat restraints?  What if the track did not have an end stop?  What if there were no safety workers to keep everything in line?  Would it be fun then?

            Point out that a daring and exciting ride is thrilling because it has boundaries and is safety controlled.  Without those restrictions, it becomes a ride of terror and death.  That can be said about the rules that touch our families or that you create for your families.  The boundaries we accept can actually help us enjoy and excel in our lives.  A life without rules or wisdom is a life destined for destruction.  Thus, instead of throwing caution to the wind, throw up a restricting sail to carry you and your caution to an exciting adventure.

            If you would like more ideas on helping your children (and yourself) develop a Biblical worldview or to find out how to win a Wal-Mart gift card, go to the 31 Days Giveaway (Intro. Part II) post for more Touching Families blog links.  If you want to check out other 31 Days' topics, see The Nester.

*All verses quoted are from the New International Version:  THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.