"Fathers Must Live: With Christian Integrity"
The Bible gives four Christian character traits that can build a lasting legacy for the Lord. The first is to speak and live with Christian integrity. King David, a man whom God called, "a man after My own heart" (Acts 13;22) confessed in prayer to God, "I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity." (1 Chronicles 29:17) Psalm 41:12 says, "In my integrity you uphold me and set me in your presence forever." (Psalm 41:12) A psalmist wrote, "May Integrity and uprightness protect me." (Psalm 25:21) Integrity (tom) a word used often in the Book of Proverbs and Psalms protects a man's soul from the flesh, the snares of the world and the lies of the devil.
The Christian Father who will enjoy a lasting legacy is the man of God that is surrendered to the Holy Spirit so he may be able to tell the truth, keep his word and live out what he says he believes. Just as rain is needed to bring fruit from the ground, dads are needed to do all they can to help their children obtain certain healthy goals. Children are thirsty for gifts from dad that could give them what they need to help them succeed in the talents and abilities the Lord has given them.
In America, for at least a thirty year period an annual "Most Admired Men" list was done. While presidents, politicians, stars and athletes have come and gone, one man has been on the list for that thirty year period, Dr. Billy Graham. There are few men in America who have lived and overseen such a quality ministry with such a powerful expression of integrity as Dr. Graham. That legacy of Christian integrity has been passed on to Mr. Graham's next generation, Franklin Graham. After producing the fruit of repentance for surrendering to youthful sinful passions, Franklin now lives a life and oversees a ministry of the same integrity as his father.
Fathers, Live a Life of Christian Integrity!