Father’s Day Reflections

The father of the righteous will greatly rejoice; he who fathers a wise son will be glad in him.     – Proverbs 23:24 

Bringing up a child in the way he should go in the 21^st century is proving a challenge to many parents. Through their school years, children are being exposed to ideologies that were not formerly in the open, they are influenced by social media, and there appears to be more oversight of parenting by government agencies. In decidedly ungodly environments, it has become a far greater challenge for parents to prepare their children to live a Christ-centered life. However, the basic needs of children for love, safety, security, structure, and support remain. 

With faith and family under attack, fathers and mothers set the family tone, first of all by modeling a walk with the Lord. Children internalize the authenticity of committed faith, daily prayers, Bible reading, and loving others as they observe them. Praying with and for children invests in their spiritual development. It is important that they learn how God and Scripture influence stheir own decisions and informs their lives. Knowing the truth of the Word of God will counter the brokenness that comes from sin with the boldness that comes from Christ. 

Theologian John Piper wrote, “The overarching guide for every father should be to live in such a way that his children can see what God the Father is like. Children should see in their human father a reflection — albeit imperfect — of the heavenly Father in his strength and tenderness, in his wrath and mercy, in his exaltation and condescension, in his surpassing wisdom and patient guidance.” Pray for Christian families across America, and particularly for Christ-honoring fathers.