“…Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” – Mark 10:14 (NIV)
Fathers obviously have a tremendous influence on their families, but as a whole, they also determine the course of a nation. If a young man grows up without a father in his life, the chance of being a delinquent rises. When fathers walk away from their responsibilities, the entire family suffers. Whatever pathway a father walks – whether good or bad – his children are likely to follow. Dr. Charles Stanley said, “Being a dad is a great privilege, but it is also an awesome responsibility.”
In the Old Testament, there is an account of an evil king in Judah who gives a warning to every father (2 Kings 21:11-12). Manasseh was very wicked. He encouraged Judah to sin with his idolatry, causing God to pronounce that a great calamity would fall on Judah because of his evil leadership. After Manasseh died, his son Amon became King and did precisely what his father did. He, too, worshipped idols. (2 Kings 21:20-22).
Children admire their dads and want to be like them, so fathers must be careful and consider what examples they are displaying for them. As Christians, fathers are to follow Christ’s pattern. Jesus loves children and wants to be in their lives. He said, “…let the little children come to me…do not hinder them… ” (Mark 10:14).
Guidelines for Believing Fathers:
- Children need a father’s example, instruction, and correction. Obedience to the Lord doesn’t come naturally.
- Financial challenges are an opportunity for fathers to teach their children that God is the ultimate provider.
- Be industrious – fathers should let them set goals and do what is required to fulfil them.
- Have prayerful lives that are genuine, diligent, and based on the Word of God. Instead of telling them to pray, pray with them.
- Children should learn very early that the Bible is God’s guidebook for life, and that their bodies are sacred vessels which should honour and glorify God.
As a father, ask yourself what qualities you most want to pass down to your children? How are you modeling these for them? What changes would you like to make to become a more Christ-like example? Proverbs 22:6 tells us, “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
Read: Mark 9:36-37; Romans 3:23
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 73:1-14; Acts 7:44-60; Acts 8:1-3; 2 Samuel 18:19-33; 2 Samuel 19