God’s Will For Fathers

5 He established a testimony in Jacob
and appointed a law in Israel,
which he commanded our fathers
to teach to their children,
6 that the next generation might know them,
the children yet unborn,
and arise and tell them to their children,
7 so that they should set their hope in God
and not forget the works of God,
but keep his commandments;
8 and that they should not be like their fathers,
a stubborn and rebellious generation,
a generation whose heart was not steadfast,
whose spirit was not faithful to God.- Proverbs 78:5-8 (ESV)

During this time of year when we celebrate fathers we may reflect on our own relationships with our dad, grandfather, brother, or any other male mentor. We usually talk about memories of events we shared or hobbies they spent time on. Hopefully, we have fond, happy thoughts of them, but there are some who cannot find good thoughts of their fathers. Some men fall short of our idea of a good father. Still if you ask several people what makes a good father, you will likely get many different answers, most of which have merit. The scripture above gives a root answer that covers any and all of these ideas. It provides instructions for those men who want to be good fathers. It all starts with knowing and following God. Consider today are you “stubborn and rebellious” against the commands of God, even though you claim to be a follower of Christ? Do you refuse to attend church or bible study, so you are not assembling yourself with other believers (Hebrews 10:25)? Do you take the time to meet your responsibility to train your children in the way of the Lord (Proverbs 22:6)? Do you love your wife and sacrifice for her as Christ loved and sacrificed for the church (Ephesians 5:25)? If you can honestly answer yes, then, celebrate what a great father you are in the eyes of your heavenly father. If you answer not so much, it’s not too late. Start today. Give your heart back to God and to your family. Live in the righteousness of God and you will not only be blessed, but you will establish blessings for generations to come. (Proverbs 20:7)

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