Survival Skills

Over the years I've studied and taught quite a bit of outdoor education. One topic that was always interesting was survival skills. In the short time I usually had with a group, we would just scratch the surface, but it was a start; how to build a basic fire, create some shelter, etc. As simple as it was, it was part of the key to surviving any situation. Whether it's with knowledge, supplies, or usually a little bit of both, it's clear that being prepared is better than having nothing. The same is true when preparing your children spiritually.

The time to learn basic survival skills is not when you first find yourself alone and lost in the woods. While it's possible to remain calm and figure things out, your odds get way better if you've had some training or at least paid attention in a movie or two. Survival becomes even more likely if you took some precautions "just in case..." - wear layers, bring some matches, let someone know your plan. And if you've actually taken time to practice your skills and use your knowledge, even when life didn't depend on it, your chances grow considerably.

The time to teach your children spiritual survival skills is not the first time they find themselves facing loss, adversity, or temptation. Obviously God can get them through with no prep at all, but wouldn't you rather see your child well prepared to handle the situation so that they may get through it a little easier. Wouldn't you rather spend time when things are okay teaching them God is always with them so that when things do get nasty, you can encourage and remind them, instead of hope to convince them. Wouldn't you prefer to have a conversation where they can practice making good choices instead of a conversation trying to help them feel loved and forgiven after a bad one. Whatever form it takes, you and them together in God's word will build that foundation.

The child who is well equipped is still going to have failures and down times, but too often we as parents find ourselves working from the back end of a difficulty because we didn't make time to teach them those survival skills before they were needed. Yes it's difficult; yes they may not be receptive, yes it takes time, but consider all the things in life you prepare them for, and make sure sharing your faith with your family is high on that list. And by the way, it will help you be prepared too.

Deuteronomy 11:18-19

18 Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 19 Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

New International Version (NIV)

Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.