Children’s children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children is their father. Proverbs 17:6
I know Father’s day is a few months away, but I want to share a viewpoint I feel is very important in our society today. That is, godly influence generates mutual love and respect in a family home, which extends from generation to generation. Let me show you what I mean. First off, we can learn that the Bible gives us wisdom that is very practical, that is just as relevent today when it is applied, as it was some 2000, years ago when it was first written. Here in our text, it is the earthly dad, the father and leader in a family that God’s Word says He is using to have an influence for righteousness, that is godliness that is seen in demonstration both in words and in deeds. The Proverbs has alot to say about children listening to their parents, in particular their father’s advice. An acknowledgement of God, and not just to acknowledge Him as God, but to get to know Him, the God of your father. King David gave counsel at the end of his reign as king over Israel to his son Solomon, as he was about to take his place as king over Israel: “Know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts.” (1 Chronicles 28:9) David seen the need of reminding his son, Solomon, do not neglect your spiritual devotion to the Lord your God. What great practical advice! Our kids need the reminder’s that God is interested in their lives. And not just to make an appearance in church at Christmas and Easter. Because to have a genuine everyday relationship with the Lord, it must be given a higher priority. Okay, so where does a father begin to start living this way? Or perhaps they might say, I’ve tried once before, but now that they’re older, they don’t seem interested anymore. The Bible tells us: Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving. (Colossians 4:2) The Greek word means “to be courageously persistent” or “to holdfast and not let go” and refers to be persistent in prayer. Fathers have to be persistent in praying for their families. They have to be strong in Christ’s power, in Christ’s love for their children and demonstrate the courage that it takes to “say no” to the sinful and harmful things of this world. Today in our world, we’ve learned how to split the atom, how to harness nuclear energy, but very few of us have learned how to develop fully the power of prayer, which is taught from rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). We have not learned that a man is more powerful on his knees in prayer, than behind the most powerful weapons ever developed. And we you get a whole nation of men in the church, Christian dads, all united in prayer for their children, and grandchildren, you’ll have a nation that has become a nation of respect by an Almighty God! Our problems in the family home are spiritual, and only spiritual solutions will solve them. By praying for Christ to fill them with His Holy Spirit, and with His love, so there won’t be room enough for the world’s influences.
Honor your father and your mother— The key to societal stability is reverence and respect for parents and their authority. This designation was given by God in the Ten Commandments, as the command with promise: ” That it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” (Ephesians 6:3) God says there is a special blessing for those who obey this command. Our culture today is not having any of this way of thinking to be a part of their lives. Why? I believe without the Word of God properly taught, a man or a woman will not ever begin to think of what influences their lives are making on the next generation. Meaning God’s Word, the Bible says: So shall My Word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But is shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11) The Word of God will produce its intended results in fulfilling God’s spiritual purposes, especially the establishment of His kingdom one day on earth in the millenial reign.
Jesus said, “If a son asks for bread from any father among you, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpian? If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (Luke 11:11-13). If earthly fathers give what their sons need, will not God the Father give even more of His Spirit to empower them? To affirm them indeed, as His anointed and special people on the earth. The family will always represent God on the earth. The marriage of one man and one woman to one another, to raise their family to know the Lord their God, will always be what all the hatred that fills this world to rebel and do what they want to do instead. Why? Because they will not submit to the authority of the Word of God. All that is left then, is the coming judgment for disobeying God’s commands. Yet, for the Christian saint, and their families, they always will have hope, because of the promises of God to always show Himself strong on behalf of the humble.
Beloved friend, Look for those teachable moments to share with your families the love of Christ, to show them His concern for the things that concern them. Always be alert and be praying for the Lord to use you as a godly influence, even to your children’s children. Your grandchildren are a great reward!
In His Love and service, May the Lord bless your walk today!
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