I was reminded once again in preparing the message for this past Sunday of the importance of the role of Fathers in the home. As I look at our society, I see that many of the issues that we deal with here in America are related to the fact that so many Fathers are absent in their homes and in the lives of their children.
In Deuteronomy 6: 1-2 we hear the following: "Now this is the commandment, the statutes and the judgments which the Lord your God has commanded me to teach you, that you might do them in the land where you are going over to possess it, so that you and your son and your grandson might fear the Lord your God, to keep all His commandments which I command you, all the days of your life, and that your days may be prolonged." (NASB)
God commanded that His word be taught to His people so that they could in turn teach it to their sons and their grandsons. HIs plan was for us to "own" the responsibility as Fathers (and Mothers) to pass on the teachings of God's word to the generations that follow.
Many of the issues that we see in our current society are visible because we have failed in this task to some degree. May we as followers of Christ become more intentional in teaching our children and grandchildren the truth of God's Word. This begins in the our home but let's not stop there.
With so many not having Father figures to influence their lives, as Christian dads, let us seize opportunities to speak into the lives of children that God brings into our path the truth of God's Word so that they will have opportunity to know there is a Heavenly Father who loves and cares for them.
Phillips, Craig and Dean recorded a song entitled, "I Want To Be Just Like You" several years ago that serves as a great challenge for we fathers. The chorus states:
I want to be just like You, 'Cause he wants to be just like me.
I want to be a holy example for his innocent eyes to see.
I want to be living Bible Lord for his little eyes to read,
I want to be just like you, 'cause he wants to be like me."
May this be our "Fathers" prayer today!
In Christ
Bro. Tim
