In Hemispheres magazine, family counselor John Rosamond wrote that a father plays a unique and crucial role in the lives of his children. It’s not enough just to be present. Dad must be “actively involved” and “a vigorously interested participant in the child-rearing process.”
Rosemond offers six ways to become more involved with your child:
1. Find an activity you and your child can do together and make time for it regularly.
2. Help (but don’t force) your child to develop hobbies and interests.
3. As your child grows through the teen years, become less a disciplinarian and more a mentor.
4. Talk to your child and keep communicating by being a good listener.
5. Love your child’s mother with all your heart, and let your kids see it.
6. Remember, a child is never too old to be told, “I love you.”
Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).
How’re you doin’?
How important is your family?
Former President George H. W. Bush was asked, “What is your greatest accomplishment in life?” He could have replied that as a fighter pilot in World War II, that he was shot down and survived, or that he was US Ambassador to China, or was Vice President of the United States, or that he was President, or won the victory in the Persian Gulf War with few caualties, or had two sons as state governors, or one of his sons became President of the United States.
Yet Bush said, “My children still come home.”
Remember God’s order: Family should be next in line after God, then career and ministry. If your family is out of order, so will everything else in your life, including your service to God.
A teacher gave her class of second-graders a lesson on the magnet and what it does. The next day, in a written test, she included this question: “My name has six letters. The first one is m. I pick up things. What am I?” When the test papers were turned in, the teacher was astonished to find that almost 50 percent of the students answered the question with the word mother.
Yes, mothers do pick up things. But they are much more than “magnets,” gathering up clothes and picking up toys around the house. As willing as many mothers are to do such chores, they have a higher calling than that.
A good mother loves her family and provides an atmosphere where each member can find acceptance, security, and understanding. She is there when the children need a loving touch on a fevered brow. And for the Christian mother, her greatest joy is in teaching her children to trust and to love Jesus as their Savior.
What would you do for $111,000? Back in 1993 Houston Oilers football player David Williams missed a big game and was docked that amount. What was the big deal? His wife had given birth to their first son, Scot, and David stayed with her through the whole experience. His coach objected and critics said the team should have sent a jet to pick him up for the big game, but Williams thought it was important to stay by his wife.
If David Williams continues to demonstrate this kind of commitment to his family, then Scot too is likely to see the importance of right priorities. In my years of ministry, I have seen many situations when men put their jobs before their children, only to see them rebel against the faith later.
I remember one evening after dinner I was sitting in front of the TV with my young daughter on my lap. I announced that I had to go back to the church for a meeting and she asked why. I told her that I was a pastor and people in the church had to work, and if I wanted to meet with them I needed to go in the evening. In disgust she replied, “I wish you weren’t a preacher!”
That night challenged me. From then on I made every effort to spend more evening time with my family.
God said, “You shall teach these words diligently to your children” (Deuteronomy 6:7).
Would you sacrifice $111,000 for your family?