A Father's Responsibility

Being a father is a huge responsibility.  Fathers are there at every stage of a child's life to help them grow spiritually, emotionally, and physically and they acknowledge their responsibility to their family and don't try to shift it on to someone else.  Fathers serve their families in three different capacities.

• The first is as spiritual head of the home and family.  Fathers have to understand that every decision they make whether good or bad will affect everyone in the home.  To make wise godly decisions, Fathers have to have the mind of Christ.
• Fathers also serve as the priest of the home. Just as Jesus is our High Priest and sacrificed His life for us all and is always interceding for us, fathers make sacrifices for their families and never cease to intercede for them.
• A father is also the "warrior" for his family. They have to go to battle for the health and future of their wife and children.  Ephesians 6:13 "therefore, take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist the evil day, and having done everything to stand firm." Dad, you are in a battle for your family but don't be dismayed, because God will be your strength.

There are five gifts that every dad can give to his children.  These gifts have the power to change your children's life.

1. Love and Encouragement.  Every father needs to be the greatest support that his children have.  Fathers should encourage their children to set goals for their lives and rejoice with them in every achievement.
2. Time and Acceptance.  Children need their father's time.  One man said children spell "love" "T-I-M-E."  If you want your children to know you love them, then spend time with them.  Also accept your children for who they are and speak positive words into their lives.  Your children aren't perfect, but neither are you.
3. Your Care.  A father is to provide for his children and give them the kind of care that will help develop them in to what God desires for their life.
4. Your Faith.  If a father has faith in God and His Word and in everything seeks to obey Him, his children will most likely put their confidence in God when they are older.
5. Your Example.  A father is to be a godly example to his children.  Telling your children what is right isn't enough.  You must show them by example.

Being a father is a great honor.  But it is also a great challenge.  Are you up it?  With God's help you can do it.

-- Pastor Temple