A word from a father to a son is so valuable. When we invest in our children, we are making a lasting investment. When we sow the seed of God’s Word in our children’s lives, it makes an eternal difference. When we point our children to the foundation of Jesus Christ, it will have a lasting effect. Men, we need to be pointing our children to the right things. Football (sports in general) is fun, but it’s not eternal. Hunting is educational and good, but it’s not lasting. All of these things are good, but they are not the best. We need to be investing in our children, investing the power of God’s Word and prayer into them. Look at what David said to his son, Solomon:
“And you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will cast you off forever. Be careful now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong and do it” (1 Chron. 28:9-10).
You see all of that? He is investing, challenging, and encouraging his son all in one quick swoop.
A. You know the God of your father.
Your child is watching how you worship! Your child is watching what you are worshiping. Your child sees what you are putting your whole heart into. Is it your job? Is it making money? Your child sees who you say God truly is. Your children see where your heart is truly fulfilled. That matters!
If you are serving another god, your children are going to see that, and they will follow your lead. Make every effort to show your children that Jesus Christ is the main focus. He has to be the one and only that your affection is placed on.
B. Serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind.
When we as fathers point our children to a heart that is longing to serve and please Jesus, it will bring a new sense of purpose and belonging. Many times we as men don’t have a whole heart or a wiling mind that is ready to serve or invest into the things of the Kingdom of God. We are quickly distracted and pulled away by things that have far less value.
The sad thing is that we attempt to fool God, but as we see in the verse He knows! He sees everything, and He knows when we are faking it. So we as fathers need to be placing our thoughts and our hearts at the feet of Jesus. If we seek Him, we will be able to find Him.
The flip side of that is very sobering. If we forsake or ignore the offer of Christ, we will be cast off forever. That’s earth shattering. That should cause in us as men to ready our hearts and lives accordingly. The question is: Are you seeking Him with a whole heart and a willing mind?
C. Be careful, God has chosen you to do something, SO DO IT!!
Look at that first phrase: “Be careful.” It means be watchful. Other places in the Bible, it says “Stay alert.” Why is that important?
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (1 Pet. 5:8).
The enemy knows us. He knows our weakness. He knows where to push our buttons, and he will push them. So we have to be aware and mindful and careful of where we step.
The devil is crafty, and he knows that if he can get you off course by using another person or another event your life HE WILL DO IT! He’s a master button pusher, and we need to be aware of that. We need to be careful because if we are not, we will be devoured by him.
You see, the devil knows you are important to God, and that God has chosen you to do a mighty work. If he can cause you to stumble or fall flat on your face, he’ll get you to do that.
When we understand and chase after the idea that God has given you and me a mission to accomplish, we are less likely to get distracted by the foolishness in our lives. We stay focused. When we are focused we do what we need to do, and we get things done.
JUST DO IT! That famous line made popular by Nike. A phrase that’s a statement of determination, a declaration of confidence and boldness. In Jesus Christ, we have the power to do what we need to do for HIM! “In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him” (Eph. 3:12).
When we have that confidence, nothing is holding us back from doing what we are called to do. When you know GOD Almighty has chosen you to accomplish something, nothing can stop you.
So as a father you’ve been called and chosen by God to speak life into your children’s lives. Speak Godly wisdom into the hearts of your family members!