If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
Psalm 31:4

Try to picture this scene: With 50,000 men watching intensely, a 15-year-old young man, Trent--blindfolded and barefoot--begins stepping cautiously across an outdoor stage. Before him are a dozen steel animal traps with their jaws wide open. Each is labeled with words like "peer pressure," "drugs and alcohol," "sexual immorality," "rebellion" and "pornography"--the "traps" that can easily ensnare teenagers today.

Right beside me, on the opposite end of the platform and the traps, stands the boy's father, Tom, anticipating his son's every move. After two tentative steps, the boy's third step places him directly in the path of the biggest snare on the stage--a bear trap powerful enough to absolutely crush his leg. (It had taken three grown men just to set it.)

Before his son can raise another foot, Tom yells into the microphone, "Trent, stop! Don't take another step!" Circling the traps, he positions himself in between his son and the bear trap. After whispering some instructions, he turns his back to the boy. Trent eagerly places his hands on his father's shoulders. Then slowly, they begin navigating the trap field together.

When the two finally reached me and we took the blindfold off, father and son hugged each other. Applause at this Promise Keepers event swelled to a thunderous standing ovation across the stadium. Above the roar, I shouted through the sound system, "Men, that's what God has called us to as fathers--to be there and guide our children through the traps of adolescence!"

For Tom and Trent, the trap demonstration was a setup on a stage. But for you and your teen, the traps of adolescence are all too real and treacherous. Don't allow your children to risk the journey on their own. Grab them by the hand, watch your step, and move out together. Let God guide you through.

Discuss
What do you not know about the traps in your teenager's world? Make plans to find out.

Pray
Pray for God's ongoing protection over your children and for your ongoing vigilance as their parents.