It was a cold winter’s
morning. Snow had blanketed the
ground. A father was walking out to his
car to warm it up for his family. He had
to get to this task early, for they were on their way to church services. As he sat behind the wheel welcoming the warm
air coming through the defroster, he could see his family making their way
through the knee-deep snow. It was his
son that had caught his attention. He
had chosen to step in his father’s footprints that were left just moments
ago. On one hand it was heart-warming to
see his son following literally in his footsteps, on the other it was a
mind-sobering thought to realize that one day he may be following
metaphorically.
The example of a father should
never be taken lightly. It is a great
responsibility for fathers to train their children in the ways of the Lord. The apostle Paul wrote, “And you, fathers, do
not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and
admonition of the Lord.” (Ephesians 6:4).
This training is based on the word of God.
There are numerous life
experiences that can be related back to the word of God. For example, when
children are learning to relate to their peers, there are plenty of verses that
pertain to their behavior and strategy. Paul stated that evil companions
corrupt good moral (1Co 15:33). We certainly can use this to steer our children
toward friends that will have a positive impact on them.
All of us experience trouble
with our tongue. Children are no different. James spends a chapter dealing with
the subject (James 3). It becomes a great teaching tool to teach how we are to
control our speech when relating to others.
Our example before others should
be at the forefront of our minds. Paul was always mindful of the example he set
before others. Therefore, he was able to
boldly proclaim, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” (1Corinthians
11:1). “The things which you learned and
received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with
you.” (Philippians 4:9).
Not only should we teach from
the Scriptures, but fathers train their children through the example they set.
It is therefore important that we remember our children are always watching us.
While they are watching, they are also learning. We always proceed with great
caution and awareness.
Today, as we honor our fathers,
let us remember not only the teachings they have given, but their great example
as well.
God bless each of you,
Eric
Hicks
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