Last week we began a new phase of The Companion Guide to Beautiful Girlhood study by rolling up our spiritual sleeves and studying how to build godly character into our daughter’s lives. This week, we are continuing the process by discussing and putting in place obedience.

As you prepare for the study this week I want you to think and pray about the character trait of obedience. As you know, obedience is such an important part of your girl’s character. Before you do the study with your daughter I want to challenge you to think about the two types of obedience.

Compelled Obedience

This is where the weaker individual or younger is overcome by a stronger one and is compelled or forced to do what her superior forces. This type of obedience is what an employee gives the employer, the slave her master, and sometimes, unfortunately, the daughter gives to her mother and father. Obedience of this nature is fertile ground for rebellion and unrestrained will when your daughter leaves your home.

True Obedience

This trait originates in the heart and becomes the full flower of self-governance. Your daughter chooses to obey not because she is forced but because she knows the action to be right and understands obedience is in her best interest as well as those around her. These first lessons of true obedience are taught at home. I have to admit; this process is not done all at once…but is a process done over and over and over. This training was as much a procedure for me as it was for her.

Blessings,

P.S. The Companion Guide to Beautiful Girlhood contains discussion questions, Bible study and activities, and a journal section.  This blog is simply a way for me to encourage you Mom to be obedient to the calling from the Lord to raise a godly daughter…

Activity

• Read Chapter 5 in The Companion Guide to Beautiful Girlhood and Beautiful Girlhood.

• Keep in mind this week the big picture. Training your daughter in obedience will not only serve her in her life but also in eternity. 1 Samuel 15:22
• Make a list of those you to whom you are obedient.  List the benefits of your being obedient. (You will share these later with your daughter in the study!)

Memory Verse

Psalm 31:1-2 NLT

“Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sin is put out of sight! Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of guilt, whose lives are lived in complete honesty!”

Ponder and Post

Please make sure to think about these questions and share with others the insights or struggles you might have. I can’t tell you how much it means to others who may be wrestling with these same issues!

Mom, has the lesson of obedience been a difficult battle for you? Tell us what some of your struggles are and how you have overcome them.

• Lisa Barry posed this question: “It’s easy to follow when we want to go where the leader is taking us, but what about when He takes a turn we’re not in favor of?” Has your life ever taken a turn you weren’t in favor of? How did you respond? Was it difficult to be obedient?

• Explain in a post the connection you have seen of joyous obedience to those in authority over your life and your response to obeying matters the Lord requires of you.