Jesus kept a watch over His disciples. He was able keep watch by being physically present with them. During the rare times when He was not physically present, He made sure that other mature believers were present to keep watch.
After you have created a wolf-free environment, you still can’t let down your guard. A wolf can quietly sneak in when you least suspect it. You must watch over your family.
The Wise Shepherd
Shepherds keep a constant watch on their flocks. Luke 2:8 tells us about the diligent shepherd, “Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.” In order to protect their sheep from wolves, shepherds had to stay awake at night because under the cover of darkness sheep could easily be snatched away. The shepherd lost sleep in order to keep an eye on the flock. Shepherds avoided distractions and personal gratification because these were obstacles to them keeping watch.
Remove Your Blinders
As we noted, we need to make sure we are not blinded by distractions, personal desires or personal sin. We are to be pure in heart (Matt. 5:8). Are you? Or, are you troubled by some besetting sin? Are you distracted, too busy to keep your eyes on your lambs? You must stay pure, by confessing your sins and resisting temptation, because the safety of your children is at stake. “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 Jn. 1:9).
Watch and Deal With Your Child’s Sin
“Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child….” You also need to be watchful for your child’s sin, and you need to shepherd him to recognize and hate sin and turn away from it. Watchful parents need to lovingly discipline their children and guide them in repentance so they may see God and the enemy more clearly. You must monitor their activities.
Parents, you must literally keep your children in your sight. Like the wise shepherd, make sure you know where they are and what they are doing.
