As a father of boys, I have observed that they respond well to metaphors – whether verbally described, visually illustrated or physically demonstrated. For all I know, these might also work well with girls, but, that is above my pay grade. I just know boys. So, I offer the following in an attempt to help you describe an essential principle to your boys.

The concept: staying as far away from evil as we possibly can

The metaphor: digging our wells outside the archer’s range

If you were my son, I’d describe it like this. First, I want you to realize that there is a battle raging for your life. The enemy is camped a few miles away and he has archers aimed your direction. His archers cannot quite reach your city limits. Your wall is sturdy and as long as you are within the city you are relatively safe.

But, you have been assigned the task of securing water for the kingdom. You must dig a well. You have 3 choices:

• You can dig a well inside your city wall
• You can dig one just a hundred yards from the city
• You can dig one a few miles outside the city

The first location is clearly best – it provides the most protection so you can dig safely and quickly. The second location is acceptable – it is outside the range of enemy archers and with maybe one person keeping watch, you can dig unimpeded. The third location is terribly risky, and if you choose it, you will need guards and even you yourself might need to dig with one hand while holding a shield with the other.

The point: men are often thrilled by the prospects of adventure, risk and challenge. In our lives, we may be drinking from the well in our own village, but we get bored. We wonder about the sweet taste of the water from other wells. So, we venture out and dig. However, in our endless thirst for something new, we lose sight of the city, and before we realize what’s happened, we have been speared by the enemy’s arrow.

This metaphor most closely aligns with topics such as dating, music, movies and friends. As we make choices in these areas, are we staying safely within the protection of our parents and our Lord? Or, in seeking thrills and danger, have we wandered too close to the enemy’s camp?

This works great as a visual. Even if you’re not an artist, you can use the suggestion below as a guide for bringing this to live for your son.