Being the kind of father that brings glory to God requires time and patience. It is often through every day experiences and activities that children learn trust, compassion and faith. And by working with their dads, they learn skills for living.
My father built the home I grew up in through hard, physical labor. He tore down two smaller houses and even removed the nails, to construct our dwelling. A handsaw, hammer, screw driver, and chisel made up the tools. No electrical equipment was available.
I would run with pride to be asked to hold a board he was cutting or to help position a plank in place.
I learned patience, perseverance and staying with a project until it was completed.
Colossians 3:23 states, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.”
Tomlin
Another learning event was walking down the road at night to a country store — probably for an ice cream cone.
Although, I looked forward to spending time with my dad, I dreaded what would occur during the walk. A neighbor had two large black dogs that would run out of their yard and nip at my ankles. I was terrified.
For safety, my dad always walked next to the road where automobiles sped by. But when we reached the dogs, without saying a word, he switched hands and put himself between me and the vicious animals. I didn’t have to ask. He understood my fear.
It was during times like these that I learned to trust my father — he would let no harm come to me. I knew he loved me and he would put himself in danger to protect me.
Fathers, be the kind of dad to your children that God planned.
The Bible says in Proverbs 23:22 and 26, “Listen to your father, who gave you life. …” and “My son, give me your heart and let your eyes keep to my ways.”
As a child, trusting your earthly father to take care of you is the beginning of having faith and trust in our heavenly father. The Bible tells us that God knows our fears before we voice them.
We are to become like little children. Matthew 18:3-4 says, And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” B&R — Tomlin, of Jackson, writes for numerous Christian publications.
