HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

A Father's Charge

Happy Father’s Day to all who serve in the role of a Father. No matter what circumstances lead you to that position in a child(ren)’s life, great responsibility is attached.

If there is any doubt about the purpose of a Father, a perfect example to follow is God our Father through His Word. We can use the example that He has set before us. The bible says in Psalm 127:3 “Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him”. This gift from God must be handled with care. The gift is stamped Fragile. There are instructions which include the “Godly” Father traits as listed below:

Faithful to his child(ren): Just as God is faithful to us; it is a man’s duty to be faithful to his child(ren). 1 Corinthians 1:9(a) reads “God is faithful” [He is reliable, trustworthy and ever true to His promise—He can be depended on]. So it shall be that a Father’s child(ren) should be able to count on him.

Armor Bearer for his child(ren): This task is also known as protector. Psalm 121:7-8 reads “The Lord keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever”. So shall it be that a Father should guard their child(ren) the same as God protects us.

Teacher of his child(ren): Fathers should be one of the first teachers of your child(ren). The bible says in Deuteronomy 6:5-8 “And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength. These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” In other words, reinforce to your child(ren) to love God, which will enable them to love others because God is love. So it shall be that Fathers will teach their child(ren) to love one another.

Hearers and doers in your child(ren)’s presence: Fathers teach your children about God. Take them to worship services. Luke 18:16 reads “But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them””. Let them listen to God’s word with you. James 1:22-25 reads “ But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it." So it shall be that Fathers will practice what they preach.

Encourager of his child(ren): It is important that Fathers inspire their children in a positive and unscathed way. As Ephesians 6:4 reads "Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." Also, Ephesians 4:20 reads “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Children react and adapt to their environment. Proverbs 13:24 reads “A refusal to correct is a refusal to love; love your children by disciplining them.” So it will be that Fathers will ensure that the “space” that is created for their child(ren) is safe, peaceful and respectable.

Remember to always pray for and with your child(ren). 1 Thessalonians 5:17 reads “Pray without ceasing.” Cover your child(ren) with prayer. You pray for them in their presence and then allow them to pray with you. This prayer will bless them wherever they may go, whether in your presence or not. Just as Psalm 121:8 reads “The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.” So it shall be that Fathers will teach their child(ren) how to pray “In Jesus’ name. AMEN!!”