Dr. Dobson's Parenting Devotional - Jan. 24, Daily Devotions for Parents, by Dr. James Dobson

Dr. Dobson's Parenting Devotional - Jan. 24

January 24, 2024

The Gift of Sex

You father’s blessings are greater than the blessings of the ancient mountains.
Genesis 49:26

The Lord gave us the holy gift of physical intimacy as a means for expressing love between husband and wife. We are told that when a man and wife unite in marriage, they become “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). Solomon’s Song of Songs clearly celebrates sexual pleasure between married lovers. In today’s immoral culture, however, that purpose has been twisted. Sexual “freedom” is preached with evangelistic fervor. A motel marquee suggests to its patrons, “Have your next affair with us.” Premarital virginity and marital fidelity are portrayed as outdated concepts. In this warped atmosphere, how can parents instill healthy attitudes toward the gift of sexual intimacy?

You can start by taking a leadership role. Gradually introduce your kids to God’s plan for sex, beginning at age three or four and ending shortly before puberty. Let your kids’ questions be a guide to how much you should reveal. And if they don’t ask, don’t wait for someone else to fill in the blanks. When our son, Ryan, showed no interest in the subject of sex, I (JCD) finally took him on a fishing trip and suggested we discuss “how babies are made and all that.” Ryan said, “What if I don’t wanna know?” I dragged him kicking and screaming into the world of adult sexuality.

We are told to “Train a child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6). That means we are to teach our children about all of God’s gifts and truths—including His wonderful gift of sex—when the timing is right.

Before you say good night…

How much do your children know about sex?
What are you doing to counteract immoral sexual messages?

Heavenly Father, we ask You to help us raise our children with the love You inspire, the reverence You intend, and the attitudes You desire for each of us toward the unique blessing of sexual intimacy. Amen.

Listen to today's broadcast of Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk at OnePlace.com. For more from Dr. Dobson, visit the resource center at drjamesdobson.org.

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About Family Talk Videos

Family Talk is a Christian non-profit organization located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Founded in 2010 by Dr. James Dobson, the ministry promotes and teaches biblical principles that support marriage, family, and child-development. Since its inception, Family Talk has served millions of families with broadcasts, monthly newsletters, feature articles, videos, blogs, books and other resources available on demand via its website, mobile apps, and social media platforms.

The Dr. James Dobson Family Institute (JDFI) is a Christian non-profit organization located in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Founded initially as Family Talk in 2010 by Dr. James Dobson, the ministry promotes and teaches biblical principles that support marriage, family, and child-development. Since its inception, Family Talk has served families with broadcasts, monthly newsletters, feature articles, videos, blogs, books, and other resources available on demand via its website, mobile apps, and social media platforms. In 2017, the ministry rebranded under JDFI to expand its four core ministry divisions consisting of Family Talk, the Dobson Policy and Education Centers, and the Dobson Digital Library.

Dr. Dobson's flagship program, "Family Talk," is aired on more than 1,300 terrestrial radio outlets and numerous digital channels that reach millions of people each month.

About Dr. James Dobson

Dr. James Dobson is the Founder and President of Family Talk, a nonprofit organization that produces his radio program, "Dr. James Dobson's Family Talk." He is the author of more than 30 books dedicated to the preservation of the family, including The New Dare to Discipline, Love for a Lifetime, Life on the Edge, Love Must Be Tough, The New Strong-Willed Child, When God Doesn't Make Sense, Bringing Up Boys, Marriage Under Fire, Bringing Up Girls, Head Over Heels and, most recently, Your Legacy: The Greatest Gift.

Dr. Dobson served as an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of Southern California School of Medicine for 14 years and on the attending staff of Children's Hospital of Los Angeles for 17 years. He has been active in governmental affairs and has advised five U.S. presidents on family matters. He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Southern California (1967) in the field of child development. He holds 17 honorary doctoral degrees, and was inducted in 2008 into The National Radio Hall of Fame. Dr. Dobson recently received the following awards: Winston Churchill Lifetime Achievement Award from the Faith & Freedom Coalition (2017), Daniel Award from AZ Christian University (2016), and the Defender of Life Award from the Justice Foundation (2015).

Dr. Dobson is married to Shirley and they have two grown children, Danae and Ryan, and two grandchildren. The Dobsons reside in Colorado Springs, Colorado.