Intentionally Model
I went to two different weddings this past weekend. Both sets of couples loved the Lord deeply and are passionate about serving Him together. I have every reason to believe that they will continue to grow in their love for Him and will raise their children to know Him and love Him. It was not lost upon me that their families and particularly their fathers had been very INTENTIONAL about instilling in their sons and daughters the value of obedience to the Word. Parents in general, and fathers in particular, have a powerful impact upon their families in the present and for the future. It brings to mind two primary scriptures specific to parenting, Deuteronomy 6:6-7 which clearly admonishes us to “diligently” teach our children His commands and statues throughout every day, and Proverbs 22:6 which commands us to “train up our children in a manner that is pleasing to God.” What I find so compelling is that these passages are clearly written to encourage us with good outcomes IF we do our part as He instructs. In obedience, we can expect with full assurance that God will do His part and our children will learn to love and serve the Lord with their lives.
It is also very compelling to read passages like those found in I Kings chapters 15-16 where disobedience to God results in devastating outcomes not only for the father but also for his offspring. As fathers and husbands we must take our responsibilities seriously and commit to consistently teaching our children to love and obey His commands and lead our wives in faithful and humble obedience. Our lack of submission to Him will result in families who in turn do not submit to God. His judgement will follow.
Now it is true that children eventually grow up and make their own choices and many godly parents are heartbroken by their children’s poor decisions. Similarly, some from backgrounds full of sinful bondage become righteous people of integrity.But the Theology behind the Word is clear, obedience brings blessing, disobedience brings cursing.
As men, we are given a momentous task…we must INTENTIONALLY model and teach how to live according to God’s Word. Thankfully, we don’t have to rely on ourselves alone for wisdom. Being a godly husband and father involves prayerful self-evaluation, godly counsel, immersion in the Word and thoughtful course corrections (I make a good deal of these).
I know that there are a wide variety of men reading this missive; some you are in the process of rearing your own children, others are helping raise grandchildren, some of you are considering having children or perhaps you have one on the way, maybe you are privileged to serve as a mentor to a young person; regardless, I would encourage you to consider the following 5 questions and in doing so ask if you can provide a strong Biblical response for each one? Are you teaching and modeling the answers? Are you living it not just speaking it? If you can answer yes…then you can rest assured that you are doing your part in spiritually impacting your family for Kingdom living just as the parents of those two wonderful young couples who began their lives together last weekend.
What place will Jesus, the Word of God, and the church have in their lives?
Will they seek God’s direction as the ultimate guide for decisions?
Will they develop strong godly relationships?
Will they know how to handle money wisely?
Will they do their best in their vocation?
The process of of impacting our families is difficult. None of us are perfect…but it is never too late to make course corrections. Even if your children are older, you can ask forgiveness, share what you have learned and model a godly life starting right now.
