When it comes to fishing, I’ll take mine from the shore. The thought of sliding my legs into a pair of long rubber boots attached to an inner tube just to get a little closer to wildlife seems crazy and looks silly. I struggle with maintaining a slim waistline already. Adding a 10-inch ring around my midsection doesn’t do me any favors.
As much as I am not a fan of wearing high-top, hip-hugging, waterproof fishing attire, I have found at least one occasion where I am actually thrilled to waddle around like a duck out of water.
In Deuteronomy 6:4 we are challenged to love God with all our heart and with all our soul and with all our strength and to keep the Lord’s commandments on our hearts. We are to impress them on our children. To talk about them when we sit at home and when we walk along the road, when we lie down and when we get up.
We are to live out our faith wherever we are, but especially at home. Our kids need to see our faith in action, that it applies to real life and that the Word of God works. As parents, we pray we serve as a conduit to God for our children and not a faith deterrent.
What Christian parent doesn’t ache to see their children come to know the Lord as Savior? Time seems to stand still when your baby is born. But the brakes are really applied when she is born again.
I have had the privilege of leading nearly all of my six children to Christ. I have tried to be careful not to impose or pressure them into accepting Him. He has to be the one doing the calling and convicting, or the experience isn’t real.
One of my younger daughters has been asking a lot of questions about Jesus lately. On more than one occasion, I just knew she was going to become a Christian. But time and time again she would walk away and determine to think about it.
Recently, the children were outside playing when the deliberating daughter got into a little trouble. She was given some time away from the others to consider her actions. Seeing that her sister was sad, our youngest daughter asked if she might take her older sister’s place in punishment. Hearing the request brought tears to the eyes of all. Shortly thereafter my daughter approached me and said, “Daddy, I’m ready. Because my sister was willing to take my punishment, I now see how Jesus took my place on the cross. I want to become a Christian.”
We cried together as it was my privilege to lead her in a prayer to receive Christ as Savior. And yes, it was also my privilege a few weeks later to pull on a pair of silly-looking waders, waddle into the baptistery and baptize my little girl, and my new sister in Christ. Bring on the waders, this beats fishing anytime!
