The Heart of Fatherhood: Following THE Father

Happy Father's Day to birth fathers, adoptive fathers, step fathers, and all who invest in children's lives.

The Father Crisis

Let me ask you something: Have fathers become stronger or weaker over the years? We've gone from Ward Cleaver to Al Bundy, from Andy Taylor to Homer Simpson. The image of fatherhood has shifted from God-fearing, family-loving leaders to what may look like to many bumbling buffoons.

But here's what I want you to hear today: Dads, YOU ARE IMPORTANT.

Research shows that 37% of teens look up to relatives as role models. We have the greatest potential to impact our children because they're already looking up to us. Yet here's what's concerning—when asked why they admire their role models, faith ranks at the bottom of the list.

See Barna Article for more information: https://www.barna.com/research/teen-role-models-who-they-are-why-they-matter/

God's Blueprint for Fathers

Society tells us to be wealthy winners, physically strong fixers, "man's men." But God calls us to something different. Let me give you four essentials:

1. Be a Trainer

Proverbs 22:6 NLT

Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.

Dads, we have to BE THERE to instruct our children. When's the last time your children saw you read your Bible? When did you last pray with them? Train them as though their eternity depends on it—because it does.

2. Be a Disciplinarian

Proverbs 23:13–14 NLT

Don’t fail to discipline your children. The rod of punishment won’t kill them. Physical discipline may well save them from death.

Your child doesn't need another buddy; your child needs a parent. Parent first, friend second. The discipline we provide today may be the difference in their eternal destiny.

Share your heart as to why you are disciplining - responding out of anger and rage is not helpful. Discipline with the heart of your Father in heaven…corrective and restorative.

3. Be a Provider and Hard Worker

1 Timothy 5:8 NLT

But those who won’t care for their relatives, especially those in their own household, have denied the true faith. Such people are worse than unbelievers.

Work hard, but don't be consumed by money. Don't neglect your family while chasing another dollar. God knows your needs and will provide when you seek His kingdom first.

4. Be Real and Be an Example

1 Corinthians 10:13 NLT

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

Dads are still human! We'll face temptation, but God always provides a way out.

Don’t get stuck.

> Porn, drinking too much, rage, working too much, emotionally withdrawn, bully behavior, tech addiction etc.

> If you do do get stuck.

Don’t remain stuck.

> If you’ve been stuck for a long time.

Don’t blame others for being stuck.

> Seek Jesus who is able to get you UNstuck.

Galatians 5:1 MSG

Christ has set us free to live a free life. So take your stand! Never again let anyone put a harness of slavery on you.

We are to be spiritual servants in our homes, but that only happens when Christ is our leader. Serving our family through prayer, leadership, humble service, and the fruit of the Spirit will shape your family in ways you can’t even imagine.

The Bottom Line

There's one trend in everything we've discussed: If we follow Christ, then we are following THE Father. And if we truly follow THE Father, then we will be successful as fathers.

Men, your children are watching. They need to see you pursuing God with all your heart. Be the man they want to look up to by being an example of the man WE look up to—Jesus Christ.

The time goes by quickly. Don't blink—invest in what matters most: pointing your children to God.

Let's pray.