What is Good?

Introduction

Happy Fathers’ Day—a day in which we honor dads and recognize the virtue and value of an honorable dad who brings love, respect, and service to his children and his wife.

I marvel at dads who demonstrate the capacity to lead, serve, and secure an environment where their children thrive and grow.

To all the dads: Don’t settle on just getting by with your responsibilities; strive to be the best dad you can be.

NOTE: My message today is not just to dads—but to all!

A catastrophic problem exists in our society among our children:

Our kids are in trouble!

Children are left relationally empty over and over again, and the adults who watch don’t know what to do.

Nearly 40 percent of American kids do not live with their biological father—and more than half of them have not seen their dad in the past year.

Sixty-three percent of youth suicides occur in homes where their is no father.

90 percent of homeless/runaway children, 85 percent of children with behavior problems, 71 percent of high school dropouts, and 85 percent of youths in prison—all with no fathers in the home.

Nearly 73 percent of the U.S. population believes homes without fathers is the most significant family or social problem facing America.

It is my sincere believe that the church should do whatever it takes for us to encourage, equip, and empower dads to be honorable, faithful, and responsible.

But, let’s face it—we live in a time where the culture has a very low view of fatherhood. This low view shows evidence of a broken society.

Broken societies are nothing new.

Several thousands of years ago, the people of Israel experienced a culture that was broken.

They were selfish, unfaithful, disrespectful, and uncommitted to the ways that honor God.

In fact, they reduced their relationship with God to mere ritual aimed at manipulating a holy God.

So, God raised up a prophet to speak against the sin and spiritual bankruptcy of Israel.

Micah

Micah 6:6–8 ESV

6 “With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? 7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” 8 He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

You might be wondering, what does this have to do with being a good dad?

Being a good dad is more than just talk—it is action! I think the action that God calls us to can change a family and it can change a community.

The action God calls us to embrace is the action of love.

What does the Lord require?

Take action to deliver the weaker and the wronged.

We can’t grab what we can out of life and be indifferent to others.

Psalm 82:3–4 ESV

3 Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. 4 Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”

When you make it your priority and take action to deliver the weaker and the wronged from their affliction, not only are you helping the hurting, you are setting an example to your kids.

Kids need their dad to demonstrate godly justice!

Embrace a life of generosity, grace, and loyalty.

This speaks to the way we ought to act justly—without reluctance. It is more than a mere duty to help others.

We must be generous, graceful, and loyal—motivated by our relationship with Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 4:32 ESV

32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Kids need to see their dad demonstrate compassion for others.

Bring your life into conformity with God’s will.

What does it mean to walk humbly with God?

Humility sets aside pride and selfishness.

Walking with God speaks of alignment with His moral law and will.

It demonstrates respect and obedience to the authority of God.

James 4:6–10 ESV

6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.

Kids need to see their dad in love with God—one who demonstrates that love with obedience to God’s Word.

Conclusion

Kids need honorable dads—dads you act justly, and love kindness, and who walk humble with God.

Dad, if you live life that was you will not just change your kids—you will change the world.