CONCERT OF PRAYER

Pray Week 904

“Father Power”

Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. (Colossians 3:21)

Never underestimate the power and influence a father has over his children. I clearly recall the times my Dad expressed his displeasure with my actions and how it made me feel. I also recall how it felt when he expressed his approval of what I had accomplished. Even though my Dad has passed away I continue to act in a manner worthy of his approval. That is the legacy a Dad leaves behind.

Virtually any male can father a child; however, it takes a manly man to be a Dad. Our nation is experiencing a fatherless generational crisis. Numerous statistical studies indicate the negative impact that fatherless homes are having on our children and our society.

Sixty three percent of youth suicides are from fatherless homes.
Ninety percent of homeless and runaway children are from fatherless homes.
Eighty five percent of children showing behavioral disorders are from fatherless homes.
Seventy one percent of high school dropouts are from fatherless homes.

Jesus taught a parable about a Master who entrusted his servants with money management (talents) while he was away. When he returned, those who did well were promoted and rewarded with those wonderful words of approval ‘Well done’. His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’(Matthew 25:21) Our Father God is quick to affirm us and He is also quick to correct and discipline us in love. He coaches us and guides us in the proper way.

There are principles we can take away from the parable of the talents. As a father, God has entrusted us with ‘talents’ in our children. Are we developing them for the Kingdom of God and nurturing them in the Word of God? How quick are we to affirm our children and to coach them in the proper way? Would our children categorize us as always critical? Would they say that they could never measure up – never do anything right in their father’s eyes? Is their view of God the Father reflected in their view of their earthly Dad?

These principles are transferable outside of your immediate family context also. As a manager or supervisor, do you always catch your employees doing something wrong as opposed to catching them doing something right? Do you coach them or criticize them? Do you empower them with trust and encouragement or do you foster fear to the point that their initiative and self-esteem is gone? Are you there for your grandchildren or fatherless neighborhood children?

Examine your ‘fatherhood’ style in light of God’s example. It is an awesome responsibility to be a father. Although imperfect, you set the example of Father God for your children. Will you raise them up to know, love and respect their Father in Heaven? Material gifts will not heal wounds or be a substitute for proper, present and accounted for parenting. The greatest gift you can give to your children is to love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul and to sacrificially love their mother as Christ loves the church. May you ‘man up’ and leave the legacy of a Godly man for your children and all those that the Lord will entrust to your influence and care.