The influence of fathers

Thought for the day

Through the years, we have different ideas of what our father means to us. Someone has composed the following list, showing the way that our view of Father changes through the years:

4 years: My daddy can do anything.

7 years: My dad knows a lot, a whole lot.

8 years: My father doesn't quite know everything.

12 years: Oh well, naturally Father doesn't know everything.

14 years: Father? Hopelessly old-fashioned.

21 years: Oh, that man is out-of-date. What did you expect?

25 years: He knows a little bit about it but not much.

30 years: Must find out what Dad thinks about it.

35 years: A little patience, let's get Dad''s meaning first.

40 years: What would Dad have thought about it?

50 years: My Dad knew literally everything.

60 years: I wish I could talk it over with Dad once more.

Fathers, what an awesome responsibility has been given to us. And even during those years when our children think we are "hopelessly old-fashioned", they are listening to us and learning from us. Much of what our children learn is caught rather than taught they learn from what they observe. That means we can’t afford to cheat on our taxes, lie to our boss, or be rude to a salesperson. Our lifestyle is the greatest lesson we teach.

You are a role model for your children and, like it or not good or bad they will, to one degree or another, model their lives after you. You have inherited some of your father’s characteristics and your children are inheriting some of yours.

So whether you know it or not (and whether you mean to or not), you are influencing the lives of your children, and your children’s children. As I said earlier, what an awesome responsibility has been given to us. And thank God for the godly fathers who influenced us!

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." (Deut. 6:5-7)

Verses

Romans 10:17

So faith comes from the willingness to hear, and what is heard is the word which tells of Christ.

Isaiah 53:5

But he was wounded for our transgressions, crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the punishment that made us whole, and by his bruises we are healed.

Romans 12:2

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God -- what is good and acceptable and perfect.

1 Peter 3:7

You husbands must be careful of your wives, being thoughtful of their needs and honoring them as the weaker sex. Remember that you and your wife are partners in receiving God's blessings, and if you don't treat her as you should, your prayers will not get ready answers.

Proverbs 22:7

The rich rules over the poor, And the borrower becomes the lender's slave.

Prayer

Father, so many of us live in a state of discontent when we find ourselves loving things and using people. It distorts our priorities and gives us temporary thrills with things, but leaves us with long-term dissatisfaction within ourselves and in our relationships. Help us to enjoy material things but to place a higher value on greater pursuits such as growing friendships, solid marriage relations, developing godly character, giving without receiving in return, and other worthy goals. We will be content as we rejoice in the fact that whether we are in want or whether we have plenty You have promised that You will never leave us nor forsake us. What a treasured promise for the believer in times of need and in times of prosperity. We are content when we realize our all-sufficiency is in You, Lord. You will never leave us nor forsake us and You will meet all our needs according to Your glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Amen.