EdCon 2018

I. Routine: Definition and Description

a. A routine is the usual series of things that you do at a particular time. A routine is also the practice of regularly doing things in a fixed order (Collins English Dictionary).
b. A usual or fixed way of doing things (Cambridge English Dictionary)
c. The habitual or mechanical performance of an established procedure (Merriam Webster); A sequence of actions regularly followed.
d. A routine is performing a planned, specific set of tasks or actions on a regular, consistent basis.

II. The Bible teaches about ROUTINE and gives examples of people who established and followed a routine in their life.

a. “Blessed is the one who listens to me (wisdom personified), watching at my doors day by day (routine), waiting beside my doorway. For the one who finds me, finds life and receives favor from the LORD.“ – Prov. 8:34, 35.
Principle: Those who learn God’s Word routinely daily shall find capacity for life and shall receive grace blessings from the Lord.

b. “Let all things be done decently and in order” I Cor. 14:40
Principle: Everything in the life of the believer must be done in an organized and proper way, thus routine.

c. Daniel prayed 3 times a day as a routine (Daniel 6:10); David prayed 7 times a day (Psa. 119:164).
Principle: Personal prayer, communion and private worship of the Lord must be done daily as a routine activity resulting to courage in facing adversity and danger.

d. Jesus went into the Synagogue every Sabbath Day as a routine (Luke 4:16) and dedicated a time each day to commune with God the Father (Luke 22:39; Mark 1:35)
Principle: Worship, teaching, ministry and communion with God must be done routinely every day as exemplified by Jesus.

e. The spiritual life of the believer involves a daily walk with God (regular routine)

i. Walking in the light (I John 1:7 – Living daily in His word)
ii. Walking in the Spirit (Gal. 5:16 – Living daily a Sprit filled life)
iii. Walking in faith (2 Cor. 5:7- Living daily, trusting God)

III. Benefits of creating and executing a routine for the children particularly in a home school setting

a. They learn ORGANIZATION – a routine organizes life, work, school, etc which allows them to focus on the tasks that lead to achievement of goals. A disorganized student will fail. A child who becomes organized will carry this trait and habit into his later life. Structure will give him stability in life. Psa. 90:12 “Teach us to number our days that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom”
b. They learn SELF-DISCIPLINE – routine forces them to develop self-control, self-restraint and self-regulation when they are constrained to perform a set of tasks based on a specific time schedule and sticking to it until it is done or completed. Self-discipline overcomes distractions, interference, and develops a sense of pride and accomplishment after the work is done. I Tim. 4:7B “Exercise yourself toward godliness.”
c. They develop the habit of CONSISTENCY– the child learns the importance of having perseverance in his life, which is the character to show up and perform the tasks regardless of how he or she feels (unless he is really sick). He also learns that lame excuses, alibis, or malingering to avoid work or doing tasks will not be accepted. Gal. 6:9 “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart”
d. They learn the concept of PRIORITY – routines teach the child the principle and practice of prioritization and establishment of a scale of values in life. This means that things, events, people, activities are placed in their proper rank of importance. They learn to put first things first. Matt. 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you.”
e. They learn the value of OBEDIENCE and RESPECT for AUTHORITY – When the parents are lovingly uncompromising and consistent in enforcing routines at home, the children, especially those who start early, will adjust and respond to the enforcement of the parents. In doing this, children begin to see the importance and rewards of obedience and submission to authority. Hebrews 13:17a “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves”

IV. Challenges to the consistent execution of a routine at home

a. Unplanned visitors such as close family relatives or friends who cause disruption and distraction of the child’s routine. This matter should be handled on a case to case basis by the parents. However, the parents must establish a clear policy as to what to do in this kind of situation and set the expectations.
b. Unplanned vacations: sudden trips away from home can pose a problem to the child’s routine, unless the parents establish a system where the children can still continue to work on their PACEs away from home. It is often difficult to duplicate the environment of academic discipline in a resort, hotel, etc. where the mind of the child is in “leisure mode”
c. Domestic problems – obviously serious problems in the home such as marital quarrels, disputes, and even certain kinds of crisis situations can affect the child’s established routine

V. Practical ways to implement a successful routine at home

a. Planning – do a weekly and daily planning for your family. Establish a specific block of time for children’s school work that is repeated each day unless something very urgent or a crisis comes up that would necessitate cancellation of the routine.
b. Schedule time for meals, play, recreation, and trips for your family. Do not overload your child with school work all the time. Schedule breaks and free time too.
c. Allocate time for children to do assigned chores at home. This is part of their training toward a sense of responsibility, team work, etc.
d. Schedule a block of time for spiritual matters – sharing of the Word of God, prayer time, talking about spiritual things.
e. Allocate time to cultivate your child’s special gifts and talents by exposing them to activities and training programs that enhance their skills and gifts. Example: music lessons, swimming lessons, development in a sport.

Conclusion:

A ROUTINE is not a system designed for dull or humorless people. It is the only way to accomplish significant goals and long term success in life. In the family, only the routine of consistent learning of God’s Word will guarantee true blessings and long term success that glorifies God.

“And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up. 8 You shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 You shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. “So it shall be, when the LORD your God brings you into the land… you shall fear the Lord your God and serve Him…” Deut. 6:6-13

I. Introduction: Understanding Position, Authority, and Leadership in a family setting.

a. Position refers to one’s title, rank, designation, or role which usually carries authority and responsibility over others. It also carries certain privileges and commands obedience and respect. (Examples: Parent, Pastor, Teacher, Supervisor in a job, etc)
b. Authority is the legal power delegated by God whereby certain people have jurisdiction over and responsibility for others. A legitimate position always accompanies authority which must be obeyed.
i. Parents have legal authority over children in the home. Parental discipline is a function and responsibility of authority
ii. Behaviors of children that must be handled by discipline using authority:

1. Disobedience
2. Lying and dishonesty
3. Rejection or disrespect toward authority

c. Leadership is the ability and skill to inspire, motivate, influence, direct, and guide others. Leadership involves genuinely loving, caring, and serving those under one’s authority.
i. One can have position and authority without leadership ability. But one can be a leader (have great influence) without having a position or authority.
ii. Leadership Quotes from Dr. John C. Maxwell:
1. “All leadership is influence, nothing more, nothing less.”
2. “Leadership is not about titles, position or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another.”

iii. In the family setting, the parents must strike a balance between authority and leadership toward the children. Rearing children must be under the environment of love and acceptance where they can learn, grow, and succeed. Imposing purely positional authority in the home without genuine love:
1. Creates an environment of fear or intimidation in the family
2. Fosters resentment and rebellion by children.
3. Causes discouragement in children

II. What is Servant Leadership?

a. Servant leadership is a concept taught in the Bible and exemplified by Jesus Christ. (Mark 10:42-45; John 13:12-15; Psa. 78:72). It involves the leader genuinely serving others rather than him being served or demanding to be served because of his position or title.
i. “The greatest among you will be your servant” – Matthew 23:11
ii. “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45
b. Characteristics of a servant leader (John 13:1-17)
i. A servant leader loves people unconditionally (“He loved His own up to the end” vs. 1)
ii. A servant leader allows himself to become vulnerable (Jesus knew Judas would betray Him but still allowed it – vs. 2)
iii. A servant leader is comfortably aware of his position and does not feel threatened by others and does not feel small serving others (Jesus knew “His power” and purpose – vs. 3)
iv. A servant leader takes prompt (and at times inconvenient) actions to humbly serve others and add value to others (vs. 4-5)
v. A servant leader always teaches and mentors others (vs. 6-14)
vi. A servant leader makes himself a good example to others (vs. 15)
vii. A servant leader encourages others to make good decisions for their own success and happiness (vs. 17)

III. Parents can make a difference in the life of their children through servant leadership in the following areas in the home

a. Spiritual Life & Values
i. Leading your children to the Lord early in their life. There must be intentional action to share the gospel with every child and invite them to accept the Lord Jesus Christ as their Savior for salvation and teaching them the principles of God’s Word (Deut. 6:4-9)
ii. Providing an example to your children of a disciplined life devoted to spiritual growth, i.e. reading and learning the Word of God and encouraging them to do the same.
iii. Encouraging and personally bringing your children to ministries and activities where they can help and serve.
iv. Teach and model the values of integrity, self-discipline, sense of responsibility, respect for others, and morality.
“You can teach what you know, but you only reproduce what you are” TD Jakes.
v. Parents have the added responsibility of inculcating good manners, social ethics, and patriotism to their children.

b. Academic Education of the children
i. Provide a conducive learning environment at home that includes good physical set up, quiet atmosphere, and free of distractions.
ii. Establish an open, honest, two-way communication channel that includes active listening, empathy, respect toward them and they in turn positively responding to your teaching and guidance.

IV. Application Exercise: As servant leaders in the home, write down some practical ways you can make a difference in the life of your children.

a. Spiritual needs
b. Physical needs
c. Academic or Educational needs
d. Psychological and emotional needs?
e. Others
V. Conclusion: When servant leaders put family first, future generations will be BLESSED. This is the example of Joshua in Joshua 24:14-18 “But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord”. Joshua influenced the Israelites of his generation but his influence began at home!