Choosy Fathers, Choose Jesus

Spiritual Christian Fathers need to follow the example of Joshua and be willing to teach a new set of rules to a black community that is starving for a new direction.

Christians Fathers are needed to take responsibility for the spiritual welfare of their children, like Job did. Job 1:5 says, "And it came about, when the days of feasting had completed their cycle, that Job would send and consecrate them, rising up early in the morning and offering burnt offerings according to the number of them all; for Job said, Perhaps my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts. Thus Job did continually."

Unfortunately, not every child has a father like Job. Eli the priest disgraced his calling because he did not rebuke his evil sons and take responsibility for their spiritual welfare.

Scripture says, "For I have told him that I am about to judge his house forever for the iniquity which he knew, because his sons brought a curse on themselves and he did not rebuke them. And therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli that the iniquity of Eli’s house shall not be atoned for by sacrifice or offering forever." (1 Samuel 3:13-14 NASB)

Fathers -- I stopped by to tell you this morning that you are responsible for the spiritual condition of their children. Your wife will certainly work with you, but you are ultimately responsible. We must never shirk that responsibility like Eli did; instead, we must be active like Job in the spiritual development of our children.

I want to talk to you this morning about Choosy Fathers -- Why, because Choosy Fathers Chose Jesus.

Christian fathers are also responsible for the emotional well being of their children. They need to love them like David did. We all know that David was not a perfect father. He certainly made his mistakes, but I am impressed with the love he showed toward Absalom in 2 Samuel 18:5 where we find recorded "And the king charged Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, "Deal gently for my sake with the young man Absalom." And all the people heard when the king charged all the commanders concerning Absalom."

Well -- what you mean preacher, For those of you not familiar with this Bible passage -- to put it simple, Absalom was in rebellion against his father King David, and was trying to take over the kingdom. He was an enemy of the throne, yet David loved him because he was his son.

Men -- that example of King David shows us that Children will disappoint you from time to time, but that should not stop a Christian Fathers from loving them.

Christian fathers ... Have you blessed your children? Do they know by your actions that they are special in your eyes? Have you told them you are proud of them? Do you tell them you love them?

Other people will be their friends, their mentors, and their coaches. But no one else will ever be their father. Only you can fulfill that role.

They need the physical, spiritual and emotional provisions that God has instructed you to impart to them.

Yes -- Put food on the table? Yes. That’s your responsibility. You may guide your children into spiritual maturity. Yes. That’s your responsibility. Provide a framework for emotional health. Yes. That’s your responsibility.