First Fathers Day

This Sunday I am picking on the fathers of young kids! Especially fathers who have been experiencing their first fathers day!

Fathers don't always get the respect that mothers do. That will become evident on Sunday. The truth is, Father's Day is just not as big as Mother's Day. On Mother's Day, there's a higher attendance at church, mothers have corsages on, emotions run high, and restaurants do a booming business. On Father's day, well, there are more collect phone calls than any other day of the year (yes, that's a true fact).

Despite the fact that fathers are sometimes overlooked, the Bible is clear about the great responsibility given to those of us who are fathers. God challenges husbands to be the leaders in their homes. He challenges fathers to be someone their kids can look up to. Allow me to share a few biblical pieces of advice with those of you who are fathers.

Love your wife! Paul said in Ephesians 5:28,

Spend time with your children. The Psalmist wrote in Psalm 127:3, "Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, The fruit of the womb is a reward." In other words, our children are a great blessing. Children are given to us to enjoy – not to be a burden, not to avoid, not to ignore, but to enjoy! And in order to enjoy them, you've got to be with them, have fun with them, and share your life with them.

1.   It is all important to bring up a child in church!

Proverbs 22:6 (KJV)

6    Train up a child in the way he should go:

            And when he is old, he will not depart from it.

2.   Yes it is important to keep your children obeying rules at home and away.

a.       While there is hope or while they are young don’t wait till they are too grown to punish for wrongs they do. (Dads must beware of “Puppy Dog Eyes”)

Proverbs 19:18 (KJV)

18  Chasten thy son while there is hope,

          And let not thy soul spare for his crying.

b.      But don’t over do it!

Ephesians 6:4 (KJV)

4 And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

Colossians 3:21 (KJV)

21  Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

3.   Keep your children in church while there is hope while they can (will) learn.

Joshua 24:15 (KJV)

15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.