It is very frustrating to purchase something that does not function in the way it was intended.
Our entire world functions on purposeful technology and gadgets; making things do the work faster and more efficiently. Microwaves, cars, prams, computers, phones, TVs, and vacuum cleaners for instance are some of those examples.
As we continue this month’s focus on fathers, we see that fatherhood has always been part of God’s plan. He, in his infinite wisdom, has purposed fathers to be instrumental in the lives of their children. The role itself has many aspects and fathers are charged to love, lead and guide.
We live in a world that wants to redefine fatherhood but God has placed men to bring His strategic purpose. Scripture tells us in Ephesians 6:4 that:
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
As Fathers we are supposed to instruct and discipline. The Webster dictionary defines provocation as:
- to incite to anger.
In order to be fathers that do not provoke their children and mothers who stand by the Word of God; we need to know our purpose and align with the Holy Spirit to fulfill our God ordained mandate. The world often speaks of how parenthood does not come with a manual but as Christians that is not so. The Bible is filled with strategies, direction, examples of fathers who missed the mark and those who did well; all lessons for us to draw from. The word of God is:
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
“‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)
- Are you a man who seeks the wisdom of God or do you have a different source?
- Are you found searching the scriptures as part of your daily practice or searching elsewhere?
- Are you doing what the word says?
“But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22)
A manufacturer knows how his product works and how it is meant to function. Would we take our BMW to a Nissan manufacturer? It would seem ridiculous in the natural so is it in the Spirit. Our God is our maker, it is Him we should lean on and run to as our father. He made us and our children, He knows how we ought to function, when and how to do it.
Proverbs 14:26 reads “Whoever fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge.”
Fearing the Lord involves knowing and avoiding leading a life without Him.
- As a father what is your relationship like with God?
- Do you honour and fear Him?
- Is God first in your life and center of your decisions?
- Do you worship and praise Him in your home?
Our children watch us everyday, our actions need to exemplify honour and reverence for God.
“The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.” (Luke 6:40)
Fathers have a divine purpose to position their children to know our Father in heaven. Can I encourage us all to reflect on our role and purpose as parents. Together with the Holy Spirit, let us receive clear strategies, direction and wisdom on how to fulfill our roles. We need to know what it is we are meant to be doing first; let us go back to basics. Instruction and wisdom from God is far more valuable than anything else we could ever do alone. If you have been a father who hasn’t partnered with God, now is the time. If you have walked away from Him before, the good news is, God’s mercy and grace towards us never runs out. Come back to Him. If you have been walking with Him all along, continue in His grace and purpose, encourage another man and build up His faith.
You are not a father by accident, you are one because God chose you. Out of over a billion people in the world; he chose you specifically to father your children. There is purpose in you. It doesn’t matter what the world says, or the people in your lives; your own mother or father or even if you feel qualified or not.
“Before I shaped you in the womb,
I knew all about you.
Before you saw the light of day,
I had holy plans for you:
A prophet to the nations—
that’s what I had in mind for you” (Jeremiah 1:5)
