Dad Talk
“Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.”- Proverbs 4:1
They call me “The Big Softie!” At least that’s my wife’s term of endearment in how I father our kids (especially my daughter, a.k.a. the princess). My passionate parenting style most likely developed from growing up in a difficult home life and giving my heart to Christ. I have always been the guy who cries when watching a father and child movie scene. I am the “fun dad” who is ready to play, get an ice cream, and buy a toy/goody at the store. And I was the ultimate “mama bear”, watching the kids in public and giving way too many instructions to ensure their well-being.
As we come to Father’s Day this week, let’s remember to GIVE HONOR to our fathers! Psalm 68:5 describes how God’s covering is like a dad, “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in His holiness.” Take time to show appreciation for all their love, hard work, instruction, and provision. Make it a point to point out the qualities they have modeled that have displayed Jesus to you and molded faith within you. Talk up their CARE and CHARACTER. I know that one of the factors that accelerated and solidified my walk with Jesus were the godly men at the church who I could observe, talk to, and learn from. In Exodus 20:12, the fifth commandment reads, “Honor your father and mother, so that you may live long, in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”
Let’s remember to RECEIVE HELP from our fathers! Bring your questions, dilemmas, ideas, and life needs to your dad (or a spiritual father/godly man). Much of Proverbs is a letter from King Solomon (the wisest person in the world) providing wisdom and warnings to his son. Proverbs 13:1 says, “A wise son heeds His father’s instruction.” Take them up on talking about the things precious to and pressuring you. Do not believe the lie that you are wasting their time, they are disinterested in what you care about, or they are unable to understand your generation. The older in your life are meant to bring blessing to you as you navigate decisions, challenges, responsibilities, and priorities. Ephesians 6:4 says, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
Join us on Saturday at 5 pm for a fantastic Father’s Day celebration! We will honor the dads for all they have done with a special gift, after church dinner, and I will bring a message “Put Respect on the Name.” DADS, this day is yours and you deserve to hear “WELL DONE”!