[dcwsb size=”horizontal” align=”right” inline=”true”]

Father and Son by Scott Ableman

Fathers are uncelebrated treasures.  Often ignored and ridiculed, many believe that children can grow up to be fine, well adjusted citizens without their influence.  Statistics show, however, that the fatherless have high rates of suicide, incarceration, and criminal activity.  They are also more likely to become abusers of drugs and alcohol.  Sadly, for the children and society, millions of children around the world are not reared by their fathers.

As fathers in the homes have become rare, the godly father has become rarer still as more and more people reject the gospel of Jesus Christ.  God has a lot to say about fathers, and those that live by His Word are the best fathers on earth.  What does God expect from fathers?

God expects fathers to:

Teach his children the Word of God. 

It is not the responsibility of the child’s pastor, youth leader or Sunday School teacher to make sure that he understands God’s Word and has an opportunity to accept Christ.

And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4

Discipline his children.

A loving father will not hesitate to discipline his children.  He will not allow them to grow up as unruly weeds because he realizes that to do so is detrimental to their future spiritually and relationally.

He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes.  Proverbs 13:24

Leave an inheritance for this seed.

The “good man” will plan ahead and leave his children material substance in addition to a godly heritage (legacy) – his name will not bring shame upon his seed.

A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children’s children:  Proverbs 13:22a

If you are a father, endeavour to be all God desires you to be in Christ Jesus.  Your children will hold you in high esteem all the days of their lives, and generations to come will speak of your devotion to God.

HAPPY FATHERS DAY

[ninja-inline id=4014]