Wanted: Godly Fathers

Unfortunately some fathers still think like cavemen. They think it is their responsibility to provide for their family, and leave the child rearing to their wives. Which reminds me of a letter that Ann Landers published in her newspaper column several years ago. It was written by a father who didn’t spend as much time with his children as he should have. He wrote:

“I remember talking to my friend a number of years ago about our children. Mine were 5 and 7 then, just the ages when their daddy means everything to them. I wished that I could have spent more time with my kids but I was busy working. After all I wanted to give them all the things I never had when I was growing up.”

I loved the idea of coming home and having them sit on my lap and tell me about their day. Unfortunately, most days I came home so late that I was only able to kiss them good night after they had gone to sleep.”

It’s amazing how fast kids grow up. Before I knew it, they were 9 and 11. I missed seeing them in school plays. Everyone said they were terrific, but the plays always seemed to go on when I was traveling for business or tied up in a special conference. The kids never complained, but I could see the disappointment in their eyes.”

I kept promising that I would have more time ‘next year.’ But the higher up the corporate ladder I climbed, the less time there seemed to be. Suddenly they were no longer 9 and 11. They were 14 and 16. I didn’t see my daughter the night she went out on her first date, or my son’s championship basketball game. My wife made excuses for me and I managed to telephone and talk to them before they left the house. But I could hear the disappointment in their voices, and explained the best I could.

Don’t ask me where the years have gone. Those little kids are 19 and 21 now and are in college. I can’t believe it. My job is less demanding and I finally have time for them. But they have their own interests and there is no time for me. To be perfectly honest, I’m a little hurt. It seems like only yesterday when they were 5 and 7. I’d give anything to live those years over again. You can bet your life I’d do it differently.”

The Latin phrase, “Capre Diem” which means “seize the day” is an important principle for Biblical Fathers to learn. Men we need to spend more time with our children, they need to know we love them enough, to put everything else aside and spend some time with them.

In our text, Paul said it this way, “bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.” In other words, we are to teach our children about God, and pass our Christian values and beliefs on to them. But in order for us to do that, we must spend time with our children. We must make sure they understand how important our personal relationship with Jesus Christ is. Sunday School and church attendance are important, but they cannot take the place of a godly father who influences his children 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Men we really don’t have a choice. If you are a father, you have had, you are having, and you will continue to have a profound impact on your family. This is why the Bible urges you to use your time on earth wisely and provide a godly influence for your children.