“Dad, I don’t understand fishing metaphors,” says the son in the classic movie Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs. If you’ve ever felt like you’re telling your kid something super important, only for him to not understand, you might think—he didn’t hear you right. But, further inspection may reveal that you didn’t say it well. Metaphors can be tricky, but they can be powerful for helping your child understand a biblical truth. I submit to you one example. The Rumble Strip. The prudent see danger and hides, but the simple go on and suffer for it (Prov. 22:3). Sleepy bumps, wake-up calls, drift lines—whatever you call them—the lines on the edge of the road that keep you from driving into danger and dying. Those things are important to have. The biblical point? You, as a believer, should have the rumble strip in your life. The rumble strip is most often God’s Word, where you find wisdom that prevents you from veering off course. The point is, it’s vital to notice warning signs before something bad happens. Dad, pay attention to the small choices and behaviors your kid gives off before those choices turn into bigger problems. Boom. Metaphors, and Scripture, for the win.

5 Best Family Devotions For Your Family: Husbands and fathers have a calling as the spiritual leaders of their homes, and leading family devotions is one of the best ways to step into that role. Building faith together creates a foundation that lasts, opening the door for deeper conversations about God’s Word.

Metaphors For Dads: Metaphors are one of the most common ways Jesus chose to teach his followers. Likewise, metaphors can be one of the most effective ways to instill truths into our kids. In today’s episode, we’re going to look at some of the metaphors Jesus used, as well as some examples of metaphors we have used with our children over the years.

“Sow a thought, reap an action; sow an action, reap a habit; sow a habit, reap a character; sow a character, reap a destiny.” — Stephen R. Covey

Metaphorically Speaking. Metaphors were a key teaching tool Jesus used to share truth. So, be like Jesus and use metaphors to teach your kid. Want more help in this area? Here’s one of my favorite examples: The Vine and the Branches (John 15:5) reveals the need for you to stay connected to Jesus for real growth. Have this example in your metaphorical back pocket, ready to drop some biblical truth at a moment’s notice. Let’s go.

Kent Evans
Author of Don’t Bench Yourself, co-founder of Manhood Journey

P.S. Was this Mountain Monday helpful? Tell me if you love it, hate it, or if there’s something you’d like in the next one.

Forward this to a dad you know who needs some encouragement.