Happy Father's Day! If you are blessed to have your father as a major part of your life, I pray that you will take time today to appreciate him. In our society, the fatherly role is sadly lacking in the lives of children. It is hard to comprehend why a father would not want to be involved in a child's life. However, if you are blessed to have your father in your life, you can more fully appreciate the importance of his role.
My dad has been the godly example of fatherhood that I recognize the world does not get to see as much as it should. His character and integrity say more about him than anyone can dispute. In Titus chapter 1, there are several qualities that are listed for a minister. My dad is a minister and exhibits these qualities not only as a minister, but also as a father. The first quality is not self-willed. My dad has always been more focused on the needs of others than he has on his own. He would never do anything that caused someone else to fall. I have never known him to make decisions based on personal gain. The second is not soon angry. It takes a lot to make my dad mad, and even then, he handles himself as a servant of God should. He is the first to admit if he is wrong, and many times the first person to apologize in any disagreement. He does not like conflict and is one of the least confrontational people. Another quality mentioned in verse 8 is temperate. My dad is one of the most mild-mannered people you will ever meet. One of the final qualities that I can say my dad exhibits is in verse 9, "Holding fast the faithful word..." As a preacher, I have watched him stay faithful to God and His Word, despite those who would come against Him. He has always been a godly example, and I have learned more from watching his life than I have anything else. I am so thankful that my dad has been the leader of our home, showing us what a godly example of fatherhood should look like, and instructing us to follow after God with all our hearts.
Proverbs 4: 1-Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding.
The godly example of fatherhood leads us to the knowledge of God's love. The love of a Christian father should point us toward Christ. I can honestly say that a big reason I got saved at the age of 7 was because of the influence my dad had in my life. He was willing to talk to me about Jesus, and answer any questions I had. Trust me, I had a lot! But he was always there to guide me to the truth. Through my father's love for me, I saw Christ's love for me as well. I am so thankful, in the fallen world we live in, there are still men who are the godly example of fatherhood to their children. I pray that each father has the courage to stand up in this world, and live boldly for Christ, so that his children can see the love of Jesus through his life. I know my dad has done that for my brother and I. I love you dad! Happy Father's Day!
