Ever considered how being a dad is a two-way thing? Considered the importance of honor and obedience? To be the dads God created us to be requires something of us. God’s Word also speaks to our kids about the topic. So let’s be the dads who don’t exasperate to the point of resentment, provoke to the end of anger, and make them bitter about life! Let’s also teach our kids the lessons we have learned about the power and the promise of honoring their parents! God’s commandment that comes with a guarantee that it may be well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth:
‘Children, obey your parents in the Lord [that is, accept their guidance and discipline as His representatives], for this is right [for obedience teaches wisdom and self-discipline]. Honor [esteem, value as precious] your father and your mother [and be respectful to them]—this is the first commandment with a promise— so that it may be well with you, and that you may have a long life on the earth. ‘
Ephesians 6:1-3
Honoring through dreams and opportunities for my dad and father-in-law
Demonstration of how to honor:
Yes, this day could be all about us but what about how we demonstrate to our kids what we think, say, and do with or about our dads? Let’s be the dads who are living examples of what our Heavenly Father is like and how Jesus honored Him! Could today be a day that points your kids to God rather than demanding or instigating things that could build up resentment, anger, or bitterness? Let’s be the dads who make the most of our today! Could today be a day of redemption and reconciliation for those of us who need to turn back to God to forgive?
Could it be a part of God’s plan for us to bring healing to the family through the power of redemption and reconciliation? Can we manifest the promise and potency of honoring our parents by aligning ourselves with God’s impeccable plan and commandment? Let’s get it start as we being today which is Fathers’ Day!
Today’s Verse of the Day:
He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers [a reconciliation produced by repentance], so that I will not come and strike the land with a curse [of complete destruction].”
Malachi 4:6 AMP
Firstly, let’s be the dads who cling to God’s Word and His promises! Secondly, let’s be the dads whose hearts are turned toward our children! Thirdly, let’s be the dads whose hearts are turned toward our dads! Fourthly, let’s be the dads who step up and step into the calling upon our lives in 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 which says:
‘But all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ [making us acceptable to Him] and gave us the ministry of reconciliation [so that by our example we might bring others to Him], that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting people’s sins against them [but canceling them]. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation [that is, restoration to favor with God]. So we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us; we [as Christ’s representatives] plead with you on behalf of Christ to be reconciled to God. ‘
2 Corinthians 5:18-20
Finally, let’s be the dads who choose to be ambassadors of reconciliation through repentance in order to find and offer up redemption through Jesus!
So how do we do it? How can we show it? What is the best way for us to be the dads that model and share the insight and power of honoring and obedience?
Applications of how to honor and obey as dads of kids and dads who have dads based on today’s verse of the day:
- Prioritize quality time: Spend dedicated and uninterrupted time with your children, engaging in activities they enjoy, and showing genuine interest in their lives.
- Be a role model: Demonstrate through your actions the values and principles you want your children to uphold, including respect, integrity, and kindness.
- Communicate effectively: Foster open and honest communication with your children, actively listening to their thoughts, concerns, and ideas, and providing guidance and support.
- Set clear boundaries: Establish reasonable rules and expectations for your children, explaining the reasons behind them and consistently enforcing them with love and understanding.
- Teach the importance of honoring: Educate your children about the significance of honoring their parents, emphasizing the role parents play in their upbringing, well-being, and future success.
- Encourage obedience with understanding: Help your children understand the importance of obedience, not only for their own safety and growth but also for the harmonious functioning of the family unit.
- Provide guidance and discipline: Offer guidance and discipline when necessary, helping your children learn from their mistakes and encouraging them to make responsible choices.
- Show appreciation and gratitude: Express your appreciation and gratitude for your children’s efforts, achievements, and positive behavior, reinforcing their desire to honor and obey.
- Foster a loving and nurturing environment: Create a home atmosphere that is filled with love, care, and support, where your children feel safe, cherished, and valued.
- Lead with love and faith: Lead your family with love, grace, and faith, allowing God’s teachings to guide your actions as a father and instilling in your children a reverence for God’s commandments.
