Don't Be Another Family Statistic...

One of the great professors at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, Dr. Alvin Reid, penned Raising the Bar: Ministry to Youth in the New Millennium. In this work, Dr. Reid cites many alarming statistics. May these excerpts both encourage and convict us all:

"Do youth observe their parents having daily devotions? Do parents pray with their youth? A survey by LifeWay Christian Resources found 92 percent of Southern Baptist homes have no devotional times during the year. Praying with their youth needs to be elevated as one of the highest priorities in the home. Strong parent ministry is a necessary component if we are going to win this generation to Christ."

Dr. Reid provides great advice to Christian parents who are trying to get back to a Biblical model of parenting:

1. Remember this basic principle of time management: if you do not control your time, someone else will.

2. A second factor of time management, make time to do what is important - like faithful attendance in worship. Like family times of devotion. Like times to get away as a family. Like regular family nights and meals together.

3. Men, give your wife and kids the very best of your discretionary time...You may work and eight-to-five job and never go anywhere, but if you don't want to be home, your kids will know it.

4. Everyday, do something in your children's world.

5. Discover what your kids love to do, and regularly do it with them. That shows your kids that they matter to you. Take your daughter roller skating. Shoot hoops with your son. It's okay if you're pitiful at it; if your child loves doing it, spend time doing it with your child.

These are only a couple examples of the incredible insights from Dr. Reid as he applies Scripture to the family. I personally know Dr. Reid and have met his family. He is quite possibly one of the busiest people I know (teaching, writing a book a year, preaching constantly), but he also places a priority on his family. Dr. Reid, you are a great example to all who believe!

Check him out at www.alvinreid.com