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Although we do not celebrate Father’s Day religiously, it is a day set aside for our nation to honor our fathers. Fathers have a special responsibility as leaders of the home. Since this responsibility is God-given, it should never be taken lightly. Every father would do well to seriously consider God’s instructions regarding his responsibility in the home. It is tragic that so many fathers in the church today display a lack of concern for the spiritual well-being of their children. We become alarmed when we see that many young people have a lack of interest in the church as they grow older. Could it be that part or even most of the responsibility goes back to the father?
Having five children, I am made keenly aware of the responsibility God has placed upon me. My children asked, “Daddy, what do you want for Father’s Day?” This article concerns a number of things I want for my children as opposed to what I want from them.
I want my children to have a father who puts the kingdom of God first in his life and who will teach them to do the same. Jesus said, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God…” (Matthew 6:33). God forbid that my children should ever think that the Lord is not the most important part of my life. Fathers should so conduct themselves that their children can see Christ in their lives. Fathers, we cannot expect our children to develop spiritual strength if we are not spiritually minded. They will remember our example long after they have forgotten our words.
I want my children to have a father who will teach them to love, to respect and to obey their parents. One of the most beautiful scenes in a home is to be able to see children who openly show love and respect to their parents. Children are commanded to honor their parents and to be obedient to them (Ephesians 6:1-2). Many young people today are not respectful and obedient to their parents because they have not been so taught.
I want my children to have a father who sets aside the first day of the week for his family to worship (Hebrews 10:25). There should never be a question in the minds of children as to what the family will do on Sunday. Fathers, what a shame if your children ever have to ask, “Are we going to church today?” They should know that worshipping God is a family priority. If worship is not important to you, fathers, then it is not likely to be important to your children either.
I want my children to have a father who is loving and considerate to them and their mother. It has been said that one of the greatest things a father can do for his children is to love their mother. The loving relationship between the mother and the father is a strong factor in molding the lives of children. I have a godly wife who is an encouragement to me and is an excellent role model to our children. I thank God for her, and I want my children to know that. I also want my children to know that I truly love them and want only the best for them. Yet, fathers must communicate this both by word and by example.
I want my children to have a father who will never speak or act in a manner that is unbecoming of a Christian. What an honor for the children to be able to say, “I want to be like Daddy, because he is trying to be like Jesus.” Fathers should be spiritual role models for their children. Paul was able to say to the Corinthians, “Be ye therefore followers of me, even as I also am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).
Jimmy Ferguson