Fathers
For some, Father’s Day is a very joyous day but for others, it speaks only pain. Some fathers have children that adore them. They have been a father of love and support to their children. There are other fathers that have brought only pain and sorry to their children. For those children, this day is a sad day. Fathers have a great responsibility and in this sinful world not all accept that responsibility. This is a sad fact.
My Father
My Dad has always been special to me. I always remember him being there for me in every situation. My Dad was always the spiritual leader in our home, guiding and protecting us. I still go to him today for guidance and so appreciate his insights. Unfortunately, I did not always listen to his counsel and when I didn’t I always suffered. Our parents are much wiser than us but we somehow think that they just don’t understand.
I am reminded of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. Satan tempted Eve into believing that God was just trying to withhold some good thing from them by not allowing them to eat from just that one tree. And that is what the devil whispers into the ears of the young people. Your parents are just trying to withhold good things from you. But the reality is, our parents love us and want the best for us.
I am grateful for a Dad, that may not be perfect, but that is growing in the love and grace of God and striving to serve Him. And because he is I can have the confidence to seek counsel from him.
Show Honor
We need to show love and honor to our fathers. Even if they have not been the fathers that they should have been we can still honor the position. As it says in Exodus 20:12, “Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” This command comes with a promise.
You may be saying, “My father is abusive.” It is very difficult when a person has an abusive father. What I would encourage you to do is think about his past life and why he may be what he is. Was he abused also in his growing up years? There is no excuse for abuse even if he was abused growing up as well but it can help you have a little more understanding. If you are living in an abusive situation to seek help. And the sad reality is, you will go on to do the same unless you have made a decided change in your thought patterns and allowing the Lord to have full control of your life. These are generational sins that get passed down from one generation to another until someone makes a different decision. I have seen it first hand.
Fathers
As fathers, you have a great responsibility. You have a spiritual responsibility to your family to be a spiritual leader. Notice I said leader, not a dictator. The best way to lead is by example. As it says in Ephesians 6:4, “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” And again in Colossians 3:21, “Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.”
As fathers, you have so much responsibility and you can only do it by keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus. Draw closer to Jesus, as you do this, you will become more like Him and your life will reflect His character. And then and only then can you be the spiritual leader God would have you to be.
Dear Father,
Draw each of us closer to You so that we can honor our fathers in the way You would have us honor them. And continue to draw that hearts of the fathers to their children as they fix their eyes upon You.
In Jesus Name,
Amen
Surrender all to Christ today and He will help you be who He wants you to be.
Love you all.
Do you have a story you could share about your father? I would love to hear it. Share in the comments below.