Passion for your house has consumed me, and the insults of those who insult you have fallen on me. Psalm 69:9 (NLT)
Today I want to share a word of caution with men. Some of us treat church as if it’s just another business. We like to “review” pastors and churches, writing them off and judging them if they fall short in our eyes.
Ezekiel 34:18-19 says not to trample the grass and muddy the water that belongs to the flock, and Psalm 105:15 (NKJV) also says, “Do not touch My anointed ones, and do My prophets no harm.”
I make an effort to never drag down another pastor. We may not agree on everything, but I will learn what I can from them and refrain from judging their hearts. That’s between them and God.
As a father, what you say about church and the things of God will influence your kids. They will respect what you respect. They will be in awe of what awes you and develop passion for what you’re passionate about.
I know a young man whose dad was verbally brutal and condescending. The son is now struggling with his own physical and mental health, and he has lost his drive for life. The only thing that lights him up is football. Why? Because the only time he ever knew happiness was when his dad took him to football games. He’d watch his dad cheer and jostle him with excitement when their team scored. It’s the only time he remembers seeing his dad happy.
Fathers, I encourage you to develop a passion for church. Guard the attitude of your heart, and teach your kids by example what it means to be consumed by zeal for the house of God!