Christian Fatherhood Mission Accomplished: How to Father Children That Will Love God
Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Christian evangelist Billy Graham once said that "A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed, and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society." He is correct in that observation. Good fathers are some of our society’s greatest resources. Societies and cultures with loving and responsible fathers are far more peaceful, happy, and prosperous than societies where fatherhood is generally weak or largely neglected.
In God’s design for individuals and societies, fathers play a key role. Where fathers are leading, loving, providing for, and protecting their families, children can grow up with healthy self-esteem, good values, and productive habits. But when fathers are negligent, uncaring, abusive, irresponsible, or weak, children may fail to develop a healthy and proper view of themselves and a confident knowledge of the future they are seeking to make. Good fathers are crucial to the raising up of godly and productive people that will build a wonderful future.
Sadly, strong and loving fathers are often not noticed and not praised in our societies. Their high value and contribution are often not acknowledged. They are not affirmed as they should be affirmed. But today, we will change that. By the enablement of the Holy Spirit, we will honor and praise the good fathers. We will thank the struggling ones, and encourage and support them to keep growing because the Lord is with them. Today, we choose to value the fathers and support their important roles through encouragement and prayer.
Fathers, we thank and honor you for all the amazing contributions you have made to the lives of your children. We are grateful for all the love, sacrifices, and more that you have given to your children. We honor you for giving your best even though you sometimes feel inadequate. We love/accept you for what you are, including your strengths and weaknesses. Accept our praise, thanks, and appreciation today!
And since God wants the practice of fatherhood to continue to improve in our lives, today we will look at a father in the Bible and learn valuable lessons that will help us. We will be inspired and helped as we see in Joseph, the earthly/adopted father of Jesus Christ, a good example of what fatherhood is meant by God to be.
God’s lavish gifts be on your life, family, and ministry today!
Lathur Badoy