14 June 2009
Serve the Lord with gladness (Part V)
Posted by admin under: Guides to Christian Living .
And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).
Fatherhood is a service to our children, to their mothers and to God. Fatherhood is a role and a position which was and is ordained by God (Ephesians 5:23). It is a primary authority in the society. It is an investment which will keep paying you and your children long after the deposits have been made. As fathers, we can give a good service to our families in the following ways:
Lead the family to God and teach the fear of the Lord (Deuteronomy 6:4-9). Abraham took Isaac to sacrifice for the Lord (Genesis 22:1-19) and Elkanah took his family to Shiloh to worship (I Samuel 1:1-28). They were involved in the lives of their families.
Fathers are Shepherds of the household. This means providing for the family and look out for them, the same way shepherds look for the pastures for their flock (II Thessalonians 3:10-12). Provide both Spiritual and physical pastures and protect the safety of the family (St. Matthew 2:13-15).
Fathers must be involved in the upbringing of their children (Ephesians 6:4). Give instruction as well as discipline (Hebrews 12:9). Be tough yet gentle, caring and loving but firm to the children (Colossians 3:21) and build a stable family life.
Approach the duty and role as a servant. Fatherhood is a daily responsibility and not just a convenient occasion nor is it a special event. Fathers must be willing to sacrifice daily for the benefit of their children and health of the household.
Proper fathering brings abundant rewards. The family will look up to you, and reverence you as king. But we must first serve to get honour, respect and satisfaction. Isaac had so much respect for his father Abraham that when he digged the wells again, he called their names after the names by which his father had called them (Genesis 26:18). Solomon loved and honoured his father David, and he continued his fathers’ dream of building a temple for the name of the Lord (II Chronicles28:2-5).
Knowing that not every man can be a father, we should therefore approach fatherhood as a gift from God. We must strive to give an excellent service to our children by being diligent as fathers (Colossians 3:23). If well exercised, fatherhood contributes to the well being of the family and general welfare of a healthy society (I John 2:13-14). The daily duties and responsibilities will accumulate into memorable experiences in our lives and serve as a sound foundation for our children for generations to come.
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