As you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. (I Thessalonians 2:11-12, NKJV)
Today is Father’s Day in various nations of the world. Although my father died many years ago, I realize the values he lived and taught helped make me the person I am today. I also realize not every child is blessed this way, and for that I am sorry. A good father protects, provides for, and nurtures his child.
Not Ordinary or Insignificant
Were he alive today, my father would be 112 years old. By the world’s standards, his life was ordinary and insignificant. Thinking of my father reminds me of all the things he wasn’t. First of all, he was not wealthy, well educated, well connected, or well known. He also was not perfect, and I think even he would have admitted that. However, do not judge him by what he was not. There is another side to consider.
My dad was honest and hard worker. Although we were far from rich, we never wanted for life’s necessities. We never doubted his love for us. Even greater, we never doubted his love for God. And, oh, how he loved the Bible. From the time he found the Lord as a young man, the things of God became of utmost importance in his life. He taught us by example to be faithful to God and to love and respect His Word.
I suspect many fathers are like my dad—honest, hardworking men who love their families and love their God. I know they exist because I see them sitting around me at church. I give honor to their lives of integrity and consistency. Like my dad, they are not perfect, but they love their children fiercely. They won’t get everything just right, but most are sincerely trying their best to care for their families and honor their God. Society may not value these traits, but I do. Godly fathers are heroes in my sight.
Give the Gift of Prayer
One of the best Father’s Day gifts we can give today is our prayers. Here are just a few ways you can pray for the fathers you know.
- That he will exemplify godly character before his family.
- That he will be a strong spiritual leader within the home.
- That he will be wise in instructing and disciplining his children.
- That he will be sensitive to the personality and needs of each child.
- That he will exemplify a strong prayer life and close walk with God.
- That he will not be ashamed to seek forgiveness when needed.
- That he will feel loved, respected, and honored.
- That God will strengthen him and give him wisdom.
My father may not have been a perfect man, but he was a faithful man. I remember hearing those early morning prayers before he headed to work. I saw him sitting with his Bible open, filling his heart with God’s Word. I remember his strictness as a parent, but it kept me safe. He possessed little of value in this life, but he left me a heritage of eternal values—and values are much more precious than valuables.
Tell a father (or several) today that you are praying for him and his family.
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