Fathers…rear them [tenderly] in the training and discipline and the counsel and admonition of the Lord. Ephesians 6:4 (AMPC)
As we celebrate Father’s Day today, I’d like to take this opportunity to encourage all the fathers who are reading this devotional. Dads, you are so important to your kids!
One thing that sticks out to me in the Word is the fact that God designed men to be initiators. I’m not saying that women shouldn’t initiate things too, but in movies and television shows today, we often find that the man of the house either seems to be clueless, missing in action or controlling. None of these are God’s design. He wants dads to be actively involved, and one of the most important things that fathers can initiate for their kids is an understanding of their identity.
Every child asks the questions, “Am I valuable? Do I matter?” We have the awesome opportunity and responsibility to show our kids that, number one, “You are priceless to me,” and number two, “God loves you even more than I ever could.” We can bring such security and confidence to our kids by teaching them these two things.
Today’s verse commissions fathers to “Take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master” (MSG). This version creates a beautiful picture for fatherhood. It’s about nurturing, training, loving, caring, being involved, and walking alongside your kids through life.
I know it can be tough. Life pulls us in many different directions, but don’t get overwhelmed. You’re not in this alone. Holy Spirit is in you, empowering you to create margin in your life and to invest in your kids so they’re ready to take on the world!