Not So Secret

Introduction: There aren’t many secrets related to what it takes to be a good/effective father. What Does The Bible Say About Being A Good Father?

Proverbs 22:6, ‘Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it’. (NKJ)

Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it.

(Adam Clark Commentary)

The Hebrew of this clause is curious:

• “Initiate the child at the opening (the mouth) of his path.”
• When he comes to the opening of the way of life, being able to walk alone and to choose; stop at this entrance, and begin a series of instructions, on how he is to conduct himself in every step he takes.
• Show him the duties, the dangers, and the blessings of the path;
• give him directions on how to perform the duties, how to escape the dangers, and how to secure the blessings, which all lie before him.

• Fix these on his mind by daily inculcation, till their impression is become indelible; then lead him

• to practice by slow and almost imperceptible degrees, till each indelible impression becomes a strongly radicated habit.

• Beg incessantly the blessing of God on all this teaching and discipline, and then you have obeyed the injunction of the wisest of men.

Introduction Cont.

‘What defines a father in the United States has changed over the years as each generation of dads adapted to their time’s unique struggles and opportunities’.

As more and more dads are raising their biological children, entering into a family as a stepfather, adopting a child, or stepping into a stay-at-home parenting role, the characteristics that define a dad in the United States continue to change with the times.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are an estimated 72 million dads across the country; 29 million of them are also grandfathers. Plus, in 2020, an estimated 70% of U.S. children lived with two parents, about 20% with a mother only, about 5% with a father only, and 5% with no parent.

As a result, the definition of what a father is — and his responsibilities, priorities, and duties — vary, not only from generation to generation but also from dad to dad.

In other words: You get to decide what kind of dad you want to be, based on your own experiences and circumstances.

•        https://psychcentral.com/lib/fathering-in-america-whats-a-dad-supposed-to-do

—————————————————————-

The Bible emphasizes the importance of fathers being loving, nurturing, and providing for their children.  It encourages fathers to teach their children about God’s ways and to discipline them with love and patience.

A good father is seen as a role model for his children, showing them how to live a righteous and moral life.

The Bible also stresses the importance of spending quality time with children, listening to them, and being actively involved in their lives.

Transition: I want to emphasize and leave 3 recommendations for all fathers and father figures.

Application: The Bible is clear about how a father/father figure should do in ‘training up a child in the ways he should go…’

1. Lead from a Place/Role of Responsibility

Application: Don’t let anyone raise your kids for you!

• Streets
• Schools
• Government
• Peer-Pressure
• Popular Culture
• Social Media

They may or may not listen, but they can hear!

They may or may not obey or pursue, but they must know!

Question: What should father’s / father figures be doing?

1. Building Trust and Strong Attachments
2. Modeling Healthy Relationships
3. Have Balanced between Fun & Discipline – Discipline and Guidance

Scripture about Discipline:

• Nurturing and Providing

Transition: The second recommendation / is that as Father and Men we live and Lead with a sense of Purpose & Clarity.

1. Live with a Sense /Purpose of Clarity

Move with Purpose

Have you ever stopped to consider the power of moving with purpose? It goes beyond simply going through the motions of daily activities. It’s about living intentionally, with a sense of direction and meaning in everything you do. Moving with purpose can transform your life, helping you achieve your goals, find fulfillment, and make a positive impact on the world around you. In this post, let’s explore the importance of moving with purpose and how you can incorporate this mindset into your daily life.

Understanding the Concept

Moving with purpose involves being mindful and intentional in your actions. It’s about knowing why you are doing something and how it aligns with your values, goals, and beliefs. When you move with purpose, you have a clear sense of direction and a deeper understanding of the impact you want to create.

Benefits of Moving with Purpose

There are numerous benefits to living with purpose. Here are a few key advantages that come with incorporating this mindset into your life:

1. Increased Motivation

When you move with purpose, you have a strong sense of motivation driving your actions. You know why you are doing what you are doing, and this clarity provides you with the fuel to keep going, even when faced with challenges or obstacles.

2. Greater Fulfillment

Living with purpose brings a deeper sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. When you know that your actions are aligned with your values and beliefs, you experience a greater sense of purpose and meaning in your life.

3. Improved Focus

Moving with purpose helps you cut through distractions and focus on what truly matters. You have a clear direction in mind, allowing you to prioritize your time and energy on tasks that align with your goals.

4. Enhanced Resilience

When you move with purpose, you are better equipped to handle setbacks and challenges. Your strong sense of purpose gives you the resilience to bounce back from failures and continue moving forward towards your goals.

Practical Tips for Moving with Purpose

Now that we’ve explored the benefits of moving with purpose, let’s dive into some practical tips to help you incorporate this mindset into your daily life.

1. Define Your Values and Goals

2. Set Intentions

Start your day by setting intentions for how you want to show up in the world. Whether it’s being kind to others, staying focused on your goals, or practicing gratitude, setting intentions can help you stay aligned with your purpose throughout the day.

3. Practice Mindfulness

4. Take Inspired Action

Instead of going through the motions of daily life, try taking inspired action towards your goals. Listen to your intuition and follow your passions to move closer to the life you envision for yourself.

5. Stay Flexible

6. Reflect and Adjust

As Christian Men / Fathers / Grandfathers / Uncles we should be instilling Godly values and teachings.

• Money should not be what we value as much as righteousness.
• Establishing a Godly legacy more than a ‘successful’ one.
• Teaching the significance of genuinely loving, caring and selfless relationships as opposed to using people to get what you want.

1. Love from a Place/Position of Passion

‘Don’t do anything half-way!’ ‘Don’t do anything halfway unless you are willing to be Half-happy!’

Romans 12:11

Colossians 3:17, ‘And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him’.

Colossians 3:23-24 ‘Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. 24 Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.’ Wholeheartedly – With