Being a Spiritual Father (Part 2)
What must fathers do to facilitate spirituality? Consider Psalm 127:3-5: “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one’s youth. Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.” Children are a reward and that those who have them are blessed with happiness. The world’s attitude is often the opposite: children are a burden; they are not wanted; they get in the way; they destroy a person’s life; they take away freedom. In contrast, the Bible teaches that children give life to families.
Children do not get automatic updates downloaded to their systems. God created parents to educate them. Fathers are instrumental in developing children so that they become what God wants them to be. Fathers must teach the truth and provide good spiritual examples to their children because children identify with their fathers—not just boys, but girls too! Their behaviors, speech patterns, habits, goals, level of engagement with people, work ethic, spirituality, and other attributes that are essential to one’s identity are formed through paternal modeling. This is why it is so critical that fathers have their identities in Jesus Christ.
Fathers are indispensable to spiritual families. God chose fathers to lead and guide the home, and children need them. The kind of leadership that God desires is not defined by the world, but by Jesus Christ who humbled Himself before God to serve His disciples. Fathers must do the same. Through servant leadership and humility, fathers may rear children to be spiritual in their outlook and pursue Christ in a lifetime of service. This fosters spiritual development and generational transformation in the family, the local community, and the nation.
God bless you, and I love you.
Kevin Cauley