when there’s no clear Godly example given, children are “unrestrained”. We’re seeing this in a purposeless society today. When Dads don’t sacrificially love their family like Jesus, the wife and kids disrespect Dad. But, as Dads love their family like the Dad Jesus spoke of in Luke 15:11-32 who continued loving, praying and awaiting the return of his wayward son, no matter what…your wife and family will respect you, no matter what!
C.Men who have Learned to Love. God admonishes every husband to "love your wife". Yet some may say,"If I didn't love her I wouldn't have married her." But “love” used in Eph. 5, means far more than emotional feeling. It means seeking the welfare and happiness of the person. To do this we need to be consumed with God’s love and as Husbands/Dads, put on Eph. 6:14 Belt of Truth and Righteousness that holds your pants up and provides a sheath for the Sword of the Spirit to overcome fleshly issues!
D.Men are able to show Compassion when things don’t turn out as expected. Jesus felt compassion towards us when we were lost. But His weeping was NOT because He saw things hopeless, but to break thru the hard cirumstances for total victory. Let us as dads possess compassion “who fear the Lord” to see needed answers, issues resolved and blessings for our home as God promises in Psa. 112:1-6. If you want to win the war for your children (amid issues they face daily), you’ve got to invest time with your kids/teenagers and put shoes of peace on their feet (Eph. 6:15).
Linda Anderson in Daily Bread gives an Open Letter to Dads/Men: “At 3 years of age, she was blond, beautiful
B.Men who regularly communicate spiritual values to their children. The National News says dads spend an avg. of 7 minutes per day talking to their children. It also admits watching TV 4-5 hours a day does not replace time with a parent, even if watched together. Children need interaction, confirmation, and direction. This is why children are defenseless against an onslaught of hell against homes with their learn- ing and conversations from texting friends, social media, internet sites, TV and secular music sources that express violence, sex, rebellion, and anti-God views as normal. Eph. 6:13 tells Dads to take notice and “Put on the full armor of God, so when the evil day comes you may be able to stand your ground and having done everything, to stand.” Invest time so your Children/Teenagers will use Eph. 6:16 shield of faith so they can “quench all the fiery darts of the wicked” and learn to “Lean on the Lord.” Thirdly…
III.FATHERS WITH PASSIONATE LOVE TO RAISE CHILDREN LIKE JESUS
A.Love and Demonstrate Jesus in order to be a positive influence on your family and society. The goal of salvation is to make us like Christ. Tho Jesus never had physical children, He’s a perfect role model for every believer and every Dad. Jesus demonstrated his love toward God and for us by dying on the cross. Fathers must also love God and their family to lay down their desires for the good of raising their family after God!
B.Mentor others is the ways of the Lord by your example. This is the greatest Legacy of Dads—Godly children, for