The Influence of a Father

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.  Honor your father and mother—which is the first commandment with a promise—that you may enjoy long life on earth.” Ephesians 6:1-4

My father was a quiet, loving, steadfast man, who loved his children and their mother.  When I was young, various daydreams would run through my mind if this or that happened, what would the outcome be.  Every time, my dad came through and saved the day or me or the world.  Superman had nothing on my dad!

Although my father’s dad died when he was seven years old, he never used that as an excuse not to father his children.  In fact, if anything he was determined for us to know a Godly father.  He instilled God’s word in our lives, and we certainly did not leave for school without family devotion—whether our friends were waiting on us or not.  No meant no, and yes meant yes, if my dad said it.  He was trustworthy and wanted the best for us.

Ephesians 6:4 says, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children, instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”  My dad did teach us life skills such as a good work ethic, keep moving goals up, respect, giving, self-control, humility, and some of those seemed a bit exasperating at the time, but now so valuable. 

My dad’s best lessons came by observing what he did.  His life spoke louder than words.  Early every morning he made coffee, poured over the scriptures—(I am not for sure how many Bibles he went through), then he prayed for us, and next the church families.

Many children have difficulty with their “Father God” image because they did not have a good father or father that was not present.  “Father” in my home meant love, faithful, trustworthy, with a plan, a purpose, and my best interest in mind.  Dad made it so seamless to love our Heavenly Father because of the character and traits of our father.

Pastor Ruth Kaunley