SCRIPTURE
“Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshipped beyond the river and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods of your forefathers serve beyond the river, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:14-15
SPOTLIGHT
Satan is determined to undermine men, destroy their God-given roles, and redefine the Biblical definition of manhood because he wants to see the family unravel and society crumble. So warns Dr. Tony Evans who pastors the Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship in Dallas, Texas. He is also the current chaplain of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks.
Evans has written two books entitled “Kingdom Man” and “No More Excuses” which describe the current state of manhood in America, while outlining what God requires of men. Dr. Evans points out that in the African American community, almost 70% of children are born to single mothers. This indicates that the children do not have a positive male role model. Every child needs and deserves a Godly father.
Whether the child be a teenager living at home, a college student, or a member of the drug culture, a prominent factor in the background of any rebellious child seems to be the father of youth. Every child needs and deserves a Godly father.
In the United States, the 1960s and 1970s were characterized by student rebels, flower children, hippies and yuppies. A five-year study indicated these young people were both sensitive and intelligent. They came from comfortable homes. Their parents were permissive and overly tolerant. Seldom did “Mom and Dad” take a strong stand on anything. The fathers were often absent from the home. In addition, the youth usually saw their fathers as frustrated and dominated by their wives.
It is very easy for young people to catch the aimlessness of their drifting parents and interpret it in a reactionary lifestyle. Many observers believe that the mother of the hippie tended to be domineering and the mother of the rebel tended to be liberating.
In the 21st century, parenting is extremely challenging due to the many technological discoveries which have drastically changed the way families live. The” Best Mom Ever” coffee mug and” Best Dad Ever” T-shirt goes to parents who can provide the very best experiences and activities. Schedules, travel time and spending money can easily become imbalanced. Social pressures come earlier then teenage years and stronger than ever before. Drug use is epidemic. Children challenging parental authority is a picture of society.
If a father stands for nothing his children will fall for anything. Perhaps a major cause of lawlessness amongst our children is due to the passive, absent father. Will there ever be law and order in the nation when there is chaos and confusion in the home?
Someone once said that the Christian family or home is easy to define. “It is one in which the ideals for living found in the life and teaching of Jesus Christ are accepted, exalted and exemplified.”
Rise up fathers and join with Joshua in a lovingly but firm declaration, “But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.”
SOMETHING TO DO
If you are married or if you are a single parent, sit down with someone to discuss how you might create a family household that will be directed by Godly values. Some suggestions to consider would be:
1. Determine how you can have some family meals together every week.
2. Plan a one-day family excursion out of town (so your children won’t be seen by friends, which will be a very innovative idea).
3. Pray daily for your family based on Psalm 127 and 128.
SOUL TIME PRAYER
Almighty God, we come into Your presence because You have told us that when we trust Your Son Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, You become our Heavenly Father and we become Your children. So we would ask, Heavenly Father, that You would direct our paths as we earnestly try to establish a Godly family and home in a godless age. We need You Heavenly Father to teach us how to be Godly fathers and mothers. And we thank you that You will do this because it will be for Your honor and glory, in the strong name of Jesus Christ we pray. AMEN!