FATHER'S DAY REFLECTIONS

THIS WEEKEND IS FATHER’S DAY WEEKEND! 

It is right that we should revere Christian Fatherhood.

               It is fatherlessness that is at the root of our nation’s greatest social problems.  Scientific research, Sociological analysis, and Practical experience confirm that children without fathers are more likely to end up in prison, on drugs, dropping out of school, and having children outside wedlock.  That’s even true for those who have stretched the limits of credulity and thought that two “married” women were as good as a husband and wife.  The children of same sex parents are profoundly troubled.  Dr. Keith Ablow a certified psychiatrist released findings this week that prove the point.

               When fathers are refused their place of provider and protector, the entire family suffers. This week the Brookings Institution reported to Congress “Young people can virtually assure that they and their families will avoid poverty if they follow three elementary rules for success—complete at least a high school education, work full time, and wait until 21 and get married before having a baby.”  They found out that people who follow these rules have only a 2% chance of being in poverty and a 72% chance of joining the middle class defined as incomes above $55,000 .  For people who violated all three rules, their chances of being poor are 77% and their chance of making the middle class is 4%.

               I am absolutely convinced that Christian Father’s are a key part of the success of their children.  Mother’s of children should praise, and appreciate Christian fatherhood!  Children should honor, respect, and obey their Christian fathers.

               Men who come to Christ later are a tremendous example.  They can literally change history for themselves and their families. We are seeing that at FCC!  Praise God!

It is great that we admire Christian Fathers.

               I get weary of wives and mothers and children who do not appreciate their Christian fathers.  With all the pressures on men to “redefine masculinity” or to live life at the animal level, it is so great to see men who will stand up for Jesus!  I am so grateful for a wonderful Christian heritage—I’m a fourth Generation preacher of the Gospel.  If you are a fourth or a first generation Christian father we are thrilled!  You are to be highly commended.

               If you have a father who is a Christian, you should thank God and then thank HIM!  Make Him know how much you value and appreciate His help and concern.  If your Dad is human, your Dad is not perfect.  Yet He is worthy of your admiration. 

               It’s not enough to think about Him.  Tell Him you love him and appreciate His godly counsel, his loyalty, and his help.  And show your gratitude by your attitude and your actions!

And, it is good that we inspire (and insist) on Christian Fathers.

               For young ladies looking for suitable men to marry, you should not ever consider a non-Christian. 
For mothers who are married to men who are not yet Christians, you should encourage and inspire Him to follow the Lord Jesus.  For wives and mothers of men who are Christians, don’t tear them down—build them up!  Harangue is not holy.  An attitude of gratitude will accomplish far more than nattering nabobs of negativity.  My father in law says, “Brag on an idiot and watch him work.”  LOL

               Marry a winner not a sinner.