Why did I write this book?
This book is a series of lessons I have been teaching my sons. I had been searching for a series of lessons using the theme of knighthood to teach my sons. I ran across books like Raising a Modern Day Knight by Robert Lewis, Call to Arms by Chuck Black, and The Knight’s Code by Robert Norland. Most of these books had useful information (I didn’t really care for The Knight’s Code), but they weren’t really what I wanted. They were either aimed at fathers and what we should be doing or didn’t have much practical information for children as young as mine. Not finding what I want, I decided to do it myself. I’ve had a lot of fun teaching these lessons with my boys. They look forward to the lessons and even beg for the next one.
Why did I choose the theme of knighthood?
Knights are considered by many to be the pinnacle of honor and virtue, noble men who helped others and fought with courage and bravery. They were men who served their lord loyally and faithfully. Even the term “knight” itself comes from the Old English word “cniht” which means “servant” (Soanes, Catherine, and Angus Stevenson, eds. Concise Oxford English dictionary 2004 : n. pag. Print.). Such men, however, do not happen by accident—they are the result of training. In ancient times, a knight would begin his training at the age of six or seven. He would be sent to a nearby castle to begin his education and training by serving as what they called a “page.” As a page, he would learn horseback riding, archery, wrestling, and would play with wooden swords. These pursuits, however, were not the emphasis of a page’s training. At this stage in a future knight’s training, it was more important for him to learn how to interact with those in authority and to treat others with respect.
Pages were taught to pay the utmost respect to their trainers and their king, to reverence such men as they would their father and to behave with humility and meekness. They would be required to serve at meals and keep cups full. Some pages were given a book on manners called: The Babees’ Book. Notice a brief excerpt from this book:
Look you be true in word and deed, the better shall you prosper; for truth never works a man shame, but rather keeps him out of sin. The ways to Heaven are twain, mercy and truth, say clerks; and he who will come to the life of bliss, must not fail to walk therein.
Make no promise save it be good, and then keep it with all your might, for every promise is a debt that must not be remitted through falsehood.
Love God and your neighbor, and thus may ye say without fear or dread that you keep all the law.
Uncalled go to no council, scorn not the poor, nor hurt any man, learn of him that can teach you, be no flatterer or scoffer, oppress not your servants, be nor proud, but meek and gentle, and always walk behind your betters.
When your better shows his will, be silent; and in speaking to any man keep our hands and feet quiet, and look up into his face, and be always courteous.
These instructions regarding manners, conduct, and service were at the core of a page’s training. This is also the main goal of the devotionals in this book (while maybe using some of the combat activities just for fun).
Who is this book intended for?
The devotionals in this book are aimed at 6-14 year old boys and their fathers. Just as pages were primarily instructed by a strong male figure, these devotionals are intended for fathers to do with their son(s). Of course, they can be used in other ways such as in family devotionals and by single moms. If at all possible, however, it should be the father. Fathers have been given the responsibility to train and instruct their children in God’s ways (cf. Ephesians 6:4, Deuteronomy 6:1-9). We must take this responsibility seriously. It is not a responsibility fathers can hand off to their mothers, a Sunday school teacher, a youth minister, or anyone else. Fathers must be actively engaged in the training of their children and especially their sons. They need a strong male figure to show them how to serve the Lord. The devotionals in this book will help guide and instruct, but it is a father’s example and the time he spends with his son(s) that will make the difference. This will take time and effort, but there is a rich reward as well. God knows what He is talking about, and the bond between a father and son is never stronger than when they spend time together studying and applying God’s Word.
What are the lessons like?
Aside from the lessons that introduce each section, each devotional has four parts:
- Lesson—a description of a principle of godly living.
- Champion—a Bible character that displays the principle
- Strategy—questions and discussion to put the principle into action
- Quest—an activity that either reinforces the principle or provides an opportunity for fun (These usually require some minimal preparation.)
The book is divided into three units. The first covers what we commonly call the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12). The second covers 2 Peter 1:5-7, known at the Christian graves. The last unit goes over the armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20).How would I need to prepare for each lesson?
Proper preparation is key to the success of these books. This is what I would recommend:
- Read through the lesson and all of the scripture references before sitting down with your son. Especially look at the Quest to see what it requires and, if necessary, think of how you can alter it to fit your sons and what you have.
- Consider the devotionals as jumping off points–details, stories, and examples from your life and theirs will make the devotionals a richer and more useful experience.
- There will be scriptures referenced, but not discussed in the devotional, that you can use to help you add material as well.
- Be consistent—Don’t be in too much of a rush to get through these lessons, but don’t have months between each lesson either. I would recommend going through no more than one a week, and no fewer than one a month.
- Most importantly, pray. Pray as you prepare, pray as you begin a devotional, and pray as you end a devotional.
It is my hope and prayer that fathers and sons will grow together, but most importantly, that God will be honored with a prepared people.
If you’d like to get a copy, the best place to get one is direct from the publisher: Kaio Publications.
Knights of The Father 