Several years back, I went with three other colleagues to participate in a men’s conference in a small town in Nicaragua. We had determined with the nationals that we would call it a “Men of Value” conference. Never had anything like this been tried in this area, so you can appreciate how pleased we were when about 400 men showed up.
Why a conference for men? Because in nations all around the world, so many men have run from their responsibility in the home, leaving it to Mom to pick up the slack.
Elijah’s ministry in his last days involved restoring men to their God-given roles in the home and re-establishing the broken relationship between fathers and children. (Malachi 4:5-6)
Clearly, the family is important to God. The whole of his creation revolves around family. It is interesting to note that the last two verses of the Old Testament and the first 17 verses of the New Testament focus on the family.
Fathers play a powerful role both in the development of a child’s emotional health and in the shaping of their perceptions about God. Poor father images often lead to a poor understanding of God. If a father is habitually angry and unpredictable, a child’s perception of God the Father is likely to be the same. If a dad is critical and demanding, they will often see God as a taskmaster - difficult to please - and not that of a caring Heavenly Father. If a father is absent and uninvolved in his child’s life, chances are their children will see God as too busy and preoccupied to care for them.
Conversely, if a father is instructive, chances are the child will come to see God as desiring to help and guide them. If a father is loving, his children will better understand God as one who loves them unconditionally. If a father prays regularly with and for his children, it is not a great leap to think they will come to understand God as a concerned Heavenly Father who desires to be involved in every aspect of their lives. (Proverbs 22:6)
What kind of father are we? What kind of impact are we having? What perception of God are we sowing? Being an effective father to our kids is one of the most important tasks a man will face during his lifetime. John Piper states, “There is no safe place to raise Christian children – children who will treasure Christ above everything. Only God can work the miracle in the hearts of our children that we long for.” But we can be His tools to help make that happen. The high calling of God is upon us.
God said to the fathers of Judah, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls.’” (Jeremiah 6:16 NLT)
Be blessed my friend.
Glen (Pitts)
The Barnabas Group / Loads of Love
