Father’s Day annually brings joy to many as we get to celebrate the man God gave to us as our dad – and those who stepped in where necessary as a granddad, a godly man in the church, or a caring friend. For some, this day brings many memories of days gone by when you could spend time with your dad. For others, miles separate us. Any of us who get to enjoy this day with our dad must count this day as fortunate. Celebrating fathers on Father’s Day does two things for us: we remember with gratitude and receive a great challenge as men.
Fatherhood and Manhood
God holds the position of fatherhood in high esteem. The entire family structure revolves around his position in the home. For those of us who had good fathers, we rejoice in God’s good plan. Some of course do not have similar memories or experiences. In today’s society, most people neglect discussing the importance of both the father as a dad and a man.
Consider how Solomon stressed the position and person:
1 Hear, my children, the instruction of a father,
And give attention to know understanding;
2 For I give you good doctrine:
Do not forsake my law.
3 When I was my father’s son,
Tender and the only one in the sight of my mother,
4 He also taught me, and said to me… (Prov 4:1-4)
8 My son, hear the instruction of your father,
And do not forsake the law of your mother;
9 For they will be a graceful ornament on your head,
And chains about your neck. (Prov 1:8-9)
22 Listen to your father who gave you life, …
26 Give me your heart, my son,
and let your eyes observe my ways; (Prov 23:22-26)
10 Hear, my son, and receive my sayings,
And the years of your life will be many.
11 I have taught you in the way of wisdom;
I have led you in right paths.
12 When you walk, your steps will not be hindered,
And when you run, you will not stumble.
13 Take firm hold of instruction, do not let go;
Keep her, for she is your life. (Prov 4:10-13)
Even the Apostle Paul referred to the high position and calling of fatherhood as he considered his own ministry. He wrote, “As you know, we treated each one of you as a father treats his own children, exhorting and encouraging you and insisting that you live in a way worthy of God who calls you to his own kingdom and his glory” (1 Thess 4:11-12).
Instruction and Example for Living
As you read over these passages, two clear priorities rise to the top.
Instruction
As sons and daughters listen to us, they should learn. Our words should reflect what is most important in life. We begin with the fear of the Lord (Prov 1:7). We seek to instill in our children a deep-seated and genuine love of God and love of mankind. If they follow our words, they should see a clear pathway toward godliness, biblical manhood and womanhood, and service to others. Giving attention to us should lead to understanding and wisdom.
Yes, we must teach them what we know about living in a practical way. Cars. Work. Responsibility. Relationships. Education. Sports. Hobbies. Play. This list of topics go on and on. They learn to live in a way that honors the Lord in all the practical aspects of living.
We also instruct our children in the way of the Lord. Good doctrine. We give to our children what we have received from the Lord. Patience. Kindness. Gentleness. Holiness. Righteousness. Mercy. Grace. Love. Trust. These terms could go on and on. As we learn from the Lord through His Word, observe our own Father in Heaven, and walk with the Lord every day, we seek to instill that into the hearts of our own children.
Paul described dads as those who provide exhortation, encouragement, and motivation toward godliness. These are all issues of instruction.
Example
Our children do not simply listen to us; they also watch us. As much as our talking should help our children, our living should likewise help them. What we say should be lived out in what we do.
Notice what Solomon says, “Let your eyes observe my ways” and “I have led you in the right paths.”
Observation of a well-lived life. Leading down the right paths of life that reflect God, godliness, and maturity.
Of course we enjoy our children, teach them sports, and help them have fun in life. Yet, we realize that life is so much more. We lead and teach in our living as well as our words. We seek to live a God-honoring, people-loving life that embraces God’s Word, seeks to live consistent from its foundation, and become strong men that produce godly children.
Celebrating Fathers on Father’s Day – a Prayer and Hope
We celebrate with gratitude our Father in Heaven who helps us, grants us wisdom, cares for us, protects us, and loves us.
Further, we celebrate our earthly fathers and grandfathers. What great joy they bring to us. We recognize that our experiences are all different and some have not had pleasant experiences. Sadly, as imperfect people, some fathers do not honor the Lord.
As a dad, I hope that I will live consistent with my heavenly Father and consistent with the Scriptures. For those like me who have been blessed with children, what a great challenge we share as dads. May God grant us wisdom as we seek to live consistently in Christ, leading our children toward a well-balanced life of godliness, biblical manhood and womanhood, and love.
May God grant each of us men wisdom from His Word and discernment to live it out in daily living as we instruct and provide examples for those around us – our own children and those we get to influence.
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together
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