Ever had a situation where you are about to leave or transition and started to let people know? What evidence was provided of the spiritual footprints or impact you are leaving behind? Did you learn something about your influence and legacy because of the way you chose to live your life? What are the words you would hope to hear compared to the ones you get to hear? Are you discovering that you left good footprints or bad ones?
Consider the footprints left behind
In this blog post, we delve into the profound journey of fatherhood, exploring the impact and legacy we leave behind as dads. From the moments of transition to the echoes of our influence, we reflect on the evidence of our spiritual footprints. Join us as we ponder the words we hope to hear and confront the reality of the legacy we’ve built. Discover how to leave not just footprints, but a lasting imprint of love, wisdom, and faith for generations to come.
Footprints – Scripture Verses:
- Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”
- Ephesians 6:4: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”
- Psalm 127:3: “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.”
Footprints – Key Takeaways:
- Reflection on Influence: Take time to reflect on the influence you have on your children and those around you. Consider the words and actions that shape your legacy.
- Intentionality in Fatherhood: Be intentional in living a life that aligns with your values and beliefs. Every decision and action contributes to the spiritual footprint you leave behind.
- Legacy of Love and Faith: Strive to leave a legacy characterized by love, faith, and wisdom. Let your words and deeds be a testament to your commitment to God and family.
Footprints – Application:
- Daily Reflection: Set aside time each day to reflect on your role as a father and the legacy you are building. Journaling or prayer can be helpful tools for this.
- Lead by Example: Be mindful of your words and actions, knowing that your children are watching and learning from you. Lead by example in living out your faith and values.
- Open Communication: Foster open communication with your children, allowing them to express their thoughts, fears, and dreams. Use these moments to impart wisdom and reinforce your values.
Today’s Devotional:
This year, I am utilizing the 365 Daily Devotions book I received for Christmas, applying its teachings specifically in the context of fatherhood. It’s called WALKING WITH GOD by DAVID JEREMIAH. It’s exciting to learn from a new resource this year as we have tried different options the past two years and will keep working through this for 2024. For more information about the author and his ministry, visit DavidJeremiah.org.
Topic: THE BIGGER, THE BETTER
Verse: Acts 13:34 (NIV)
God raised him from the dead so that he will never be subject to decay. As God has said, “‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.’
Reducing Carbon, Increasing Spiritual Footprints: A Reflection on Impact
Today’s Devotional compares the differences between the types of footprints we leave and how based on the type, our desired size changes too. It starts speaking about a common theme these days carbon footprints. When people talk about carbon footprints we learn and see how everyone is about reducing it and the impact on our world. How do you think about it? No matter if you think about it a lot or a little, society has started to think about it in so many ways such as “cars, factories, animals, cities, and any physical entity at all” in relations to the impact on the environment.
Growing Our Spiritual Footprints: Leaving a Legacy of Faith
Today’s Devotional next jumps into how unlike with carbon footprints that the world is trying to minimize or reduce, as Christians the size of our spiritual footprints need to be getting bigger. Today’s Devotional speaks to how “our spiritual footprint is the measurement of all we are doing to change the spiritual climate in our world.” We need to be creating larger footprints that will outlast us and leave a legacy for those who will come after us.
Shining the Light of Jesus: Impacting Lives as Fathers
Recently, I was sharing with people about a realization I had and the impact it was having on me and how God used Genesis 31 to speak to be to get out and go back. It was interesting to get to hear people’s thoughts or how I had an impact on them and their lives by being me and shining the light of Jesus into the world around me. I heard about how I brought positivity, hope, kindness, encouragement, joy, and unbeknownst to them, other fruits of the Spirit too.
Some of those conversations made me smile as it meant Jesus was shining through me into the lives of those around me. Other conversations made me sad because people need to be good and treating everyone well and showing kindness and appreciation for each other. This is true in our marriages, in our families, and when we step up and step out into this world around us. Let’s be the dads who shine the light, love, and hope of Jesus into every area of our lives for their good and God’s glory!
Expanding Our Spiritual Footprints: Stewardship in Fatherhood
Today’s Devotional concludes with the following thought “Every Christian can serve God faithfully in his or her generation. By wise planning and stewardship, we can expand our spiritual footprint even after entering glory.” Let’s be the dads who are purposeful and prepared by being good stewards of all God has done and is doing in and through our lives.
“The use of our possessions shows us for what we actually are.”
CHARLES C. RYRIE
