The picture that you see posted is of my two oldest sons, Wil who just turned 14, and Alec who's 11. They are soaking wet after getting caught in the rain during one of their morning runs. We home school, so we have the flexibility to do things our way, one of which is PE, (I prefer PT, being military) this is done first thing in the morning. The boys at this point have built up to a 3 mile run, this particular morning they got to the half way mark when the bottom dropped out, with a fair share of thunder and lightening I might add. I had taken the day off and got out of bed and figured I'd drive down and get them, they were already coming up the driveway so I ran and got the camera. It reminded me of my younger days in the military when every once in a while you'd have a nasty day doing PT, good times HOOAH!
You might be asking yourself how does this fit into the "The Plan"? Well, let me tell you, how it fits in, and what the segway is. For me the element of PT will play a pivotal role in my boys final phase where they will be challenged physically. Physical fitness plays a major role, in teaching the boys how to take care of their "Temple", an idea engrained in me by the military. Physical preparation for battle! My boys need to learn how to take care of and condition their bodies. They do this by running, push-ups, pull-ups, chin-ups, air squats and so on.
How does all this fit into the plan? Here we go, just as the boys PT for physical strength so do we also need to train them spiritually, using drills. Just as I've discussed before with the utilization of scripture memorization, reading of the bible, and now I think catechising. CATEWHAT? You might be saying, catechizing. Catechism is defined as oral instruction. You already do this to some degree and don't realize it. When I brought this idea to my boys they nailed it the first time, I asked them for an example of a family catechism that we already use. They blurted out "SUCK IT UP, AND DRIVE ON!!". Not quite what I had in mind, never the less a good start. Now we need to work on spiritual oral instruction, or as our buddy Webster puts it; a manual for catechizing; specifically: a summary of religious doctrine often in the form of questions and answers. What better way to drill our children spiritually.
This realization came to me from Doug Phillips from the 200 Year Plan. Disk 4 covers "Family Catechism". He does a combination of both spiritual and family catechism, and boy does he have it nailed down. Here is an example, don't tell him that I borrowed it for my use...LOL This catechism is references to money and debt, and it states;
What is Debt? Debt is servitude; and it is better to be Christ's free man with little, than another's slave with much. Doug Phillips
That is a Phillips family catechism that expresses their family view on debt, how profound. It's now a Stapp family catechism, each of my children will be indoctrinated with this truth, thanks Doug! How about you and your family? What family catechisms might you come up with to train your children and the generations to come? Let's move on to something much more important, a spiritual catechism. These are based off the Westminster Catechism. It would do us well to study these. Here are a just few.
1. What is the chief and highest end of man?
A. Man's chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy him for ever.
2. How doth it appear that there is a God?
A. The very light of nature in man, and the works of God, declare plainly that there is a God; but his Word and Spirit only, do sufficiently and effectually reveal him unto men for their salvation.
3. What is the Word of God?
A. The holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the Word of God, the only rule of faith and obedience.
The more I research the more I find, and it is amazing. Once again I encourage you to check this out and Google Christian Catechism. You might be amazed at what you find. Remember that Catechism both Spiritual and Family can be instrumental in training your boys for biblical manhood and in giving them a christian worldview.
Until next time, God Bless
Joe
No comments:
Post a Comment