Published by I recently listened to a three part series on a father’s responsibility in the home by James Dobson of Focus on the Family. I was so touched by his testimony and the convictions he has had over the years that I wanted to reflect on it a little. We all have responsibilities to certain people and I feel it is important that we be a living testimony to those watching us the closest. We as adult men and women are constantly being watched very closely by others. The things we say and do will ultimately influence the lives of others whether we intend for them to or not. We as Christians need to be ever-so-careful on the examples we show toward others. In the end, children will choose their own path but it is by way of environmental influences. We are becoming ever more aware of the outside influences seen through the media and on TV, and it is important to counteract those negative influences by setting a daily example of consistent living for God’s purpose in our lives. An ever-growing burden is placed on all of us to show something different; to not accept or encourage behavior that leads to one’s own journey of unhappiness. We all fall and make many mistakes down the road of life but in the end we must remain strong in the foundational principles taught in God’s word. Most of us will be parents some day and I understand that the greatest gift we could ever give our kids is the gift of knowing one so great. To be the constant example and continually come to the Lord in prayer for our children, that they may know him as well.
I approached a friend of mine in church today. I told him how fortunate I felt to know him and see the daily example of what a fatherly figure should be like. I don’t know if he ever considered the fact that he affects more than just his own kids. I don’t think he understood how serious I was when I said “thank you.” As some of you may know, I will be the first of my family to accept the gift God has given me. I don’t have a Christ following figure in the home to set the example for me so I find myself watching other fathers as I build my beliefs on what a father is supposed to be. My dad has taught me so much over the years and I love him very much. He has taught me patience, values, strong work ethics, and a love for my family in the most difficult times. He has been there to comfort us in times that seemed impossible to overcome. I simply hope and pray that he can see my love for the Lord and pass it on to my mother and sister.
I have been so blessed to know the families I have grown close to. They encourage me everyday and truly instill in me with the image of a loving family for God. It starts now, right here, as you sit and read what has been passed to me by many others. The decision in ours…
Are we going to continue in the legacy of Christ passed on from our parents – or for some, start our own legacy for our children to enjoy; OR are we going to give in to the pressures of society? Are we going to accept the world’s views on truth or Christ’s truth laid upon our hearts? You are making a difference in the lives of those around you… Will it be a positive difference or a negative one? The choice is ultimately yours. And again, I thank those that have taken the time to instill in me (and in countless others as well), the type of behavior and attitude that builds strong Christian leaders of the church. You could never know or understand the man God is leading me to become through the counsel and continual guidance of those that took the time. We are all instruments of God and he is going to us for his glory, but we first have to let him in.
May God continue to poor his blessing upon all of you. Always remember… you are setting an example, but the choice is yours of whether to be a good or bad example. For those of you that don’t know Christ or are questioning your ability to be a positive influence; should you have doubts on your personal relationship with Jesus; I do invite you to leave me a comment. I would love to talk to you and share what the Lord does in our lives if we let him. I would love to answer any questions you may have or at least show you some of the many great people who have come to answer mine. I will continue to pray for all of you and the people and parents you will become.
