Ephesians 6: 1-4 NKJV
I've never heard of this country being a male dominated society. Well, maybe except from some liberal crackpot college professor who never got much attention as a child. One of the truths of christianity is that the father is tasked with being the spiritual leader of the home. I've been in more than a few churches where the resident pulpit pounder expressed this as a fact. In fact, as men we were often given the challange of spiritually leading our families. I believe that there is some biblical precedence to this as well. The apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 6 on just how fathers should raise their children. It is no coincidence that Paul tellls us to "Bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord." A portion of the websters definition of the word Admonition tells of a "Gentle or friendly reproof." The definition goes on to include that of "A criticism or warning about behavior." This would seem to give credence to Pauls instruction on how to raise a Godly child. For if, as fathers, we raise our children in the ways of God, the rewards which we see in later years will be well worth any effort we took upon ourselves to do so. There are countless examples and stories of children who have taken lifes wrong pathway when not guided by God fearing parents. I believe this is not simply a coincidence. Now, as I've shared before, I grew up in a single parent home after my parents were divorced. I could have very well taken that wayward path had it not been for my mothers spiritual influence on my life.
Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.
Proverbs 22:6 NKJV
Also included in Pauls instructions in Ephesians 6 are instructions for children in regards to their parents. Paul instructs children to "Obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." We see a interesting dynamic here, parents bringing up a child in training and admonition to the Lord, and children honoring and obeying their parents. This is not the perfect family, this is a GODLY family, and it all begins with the parent/child relationship. Of course, as any parent knows all too well, things never go this easily. For a large part of a child growing up is learning and experiencing their own independence. More than anything, this is what will turn a parents hair gray before it's appointed time. I can only imagine the worry my own mother went through during my formative years. However, one thing I am assured of is that she NEVER stopped praying for her sons. As I reflect on all I've been through, I can see where her prayers were answered.
"And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.' "But the father said to his servants, Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry; for this my son was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' And they began to be merry.
Luke 15: 20-24 NKJV
I've always seen Jesus' parable of the prodigal son as His representation of our Lords never ending love for His children. Here was the fathers son returning home after squandering his portion of his families inheritance. The boy had his speech all planned out, fully expecting his fathers anger at his sons disobedience. However, far from being angry, the boys father showered him with compassion. In his eyes, this son whom he must have feared was lost, was now home safe once again. Whatever transgressions the child may have feared his father would punish him for were outweighed by a fathers love. This is the love our heavenly Father has toward his children. Despite whatever sins we may feel He can never forgive us for, the blood of Jesus assures us that He loved us enough to save us. Fathers day is not only a day to celebrate fatherhood, but also a reminder that it is our heavenly Father who loved us first.
~Scott~
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