Saturday, June 20, 2015

Being a GREAT Father


As we celebrate Father's Day, we honor all of our fathers.  Being a father is not an easy job, but God has made His grace available for this great calling.  Being a great father starts with being the man God has called us to be.  To do this, look to our Lord Jesus Christ.  He is the perfect example of firmness and gentleness: a man of velvet and a man of steel, a man of compassion, yet willing to confront evil head-on. 

Next, look to our Heavenly Father.  Hebrews 12 tells us that because of love, our Heavenly Father disciplines every son whom He receives.  His correction truly is for our benefit.  If we love our children, we will care enough to correct, train and discipline them because we love them too much to leave them to their own devices.  This passage goes on to tell us that in the end, discipline yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness.  Discipline ministered in love results in peace in the heart of a child.

Next, look to the Holy Spirit.  Jesus said that the Spirit of Truth whom He would send, will guide us into all the truth.  There are many ideas out there regarding raising children that do not line up with what God's Word has to say on the subject.  Ask God for His wisdom, and rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you in the path that is most pleasing to Him.

Finally, forgive.  Whether your earthly father was a great example of fatherhood or was a terrible example of fatherhood, forgive him for any of his shortcomings.  God's grace to be a great father is available when we forgive others. 

Happy Father's Day!