Sunday, June 16, 2002
|
Sunday, June 16, 2002 |
|
We salute our 'dads' today! By Dr. David L. Chancey
Many years ago, several fathers sat in the waiting room at a hospital anxiously anticipating the news on the births of their babies. The nurse came out and said to one, "Sir, I'm happy to report that you have twin daughters." The man said, "that's amazing. I work for Double Cola and I end up with twins!" A few minutes later the nurse came out again and spoke to another man. "Sir, congratulations! You have triplets, three good looking boys." The dad replied, "why, I can't believe it. I work for the 3M Company and my wife has triplets." Upon hearing this, the other dad-to-be passed out. When they brought him to, the nurse asked, "sir, what's wrong?" He pointed and said, "this guy works for Double Cola and had twins. That guy works for 3M and had triplets. Ma'am, I work for 7-Up, and I just got scared to death!" The nurse replied, "well, at least you don't work for Century 21!" Being a father in our day is overwhelming, but what a privilege and joy it is to be called, "dad." Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a loving, caring, involved, leading Dad. We salute our Dads today, especially those who are influencing their children positively and are giving spiritual direction. A father was asked who was in charge at his house. He replied, "my wife bosses the kids, my kids boss the dog and cat, and I can say anything I want to the potted plants." That's a father who knew his place! In reality, a father's place should be out front leading his family to know Christ and to grow spiritually. Contrary to the belief of some in our society, the father is more than just a biological necessity. He plays a vital role in shaping his children, in building their self-esteem, and in setting a spiritual tone in the home. Loving dads must lead. They must be like Joshua, who told the Israelites in Joshua 24:15, "Choose you this day whom you will serve . . . but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." All too often, I hear the sad note when talking with parents about their children's spirituality, "Well, I'm not going to influence them. I'll just let them choose for themselves." What a mistake! If we don't point the way, then our children may choose the wrong way or never find the way! Fathers must lead! We lead with influence. Orel Herschiser of Los Angeles Dodgers fame was once asked by a reporter, "what is the secret of your success?" He replied, "I give my credit to my personal submission to Jesus Christ. Every time I assess my major league career, I ask myself these questions: Am I still married? Are my children happy? Do they know I love their mother? When I'm finished with my baseball career, my most successful goal is not to make the Hall of Fame, but to see my family a success as a result of my influence in their lives. We also lead with involvement. Too many dads stay preoccupied with work, too involved with their own interests and never really get interested in their children's lives. The kids miss out. When baseball great Pete Rose was being investigated for alleged gambling activities, authorities interviewed Rose's daughter. The daughter said, "He's the worst father in the world. I will never understand why he never had time for any of us. We didn't really expect anything from him. We just wanted him to like us. Even if I wanted to call my dad, I couldn't. He won't even give me his phone number. I have to call his agent and wait for him to return the call." Later, when informed of the comments, Rose replied, "I don't know what she's complaining about. I bought her a new Mercedes last week." Rose didn't get it. Too many fathers don't get it. Children don't want your gifts. They want you. Your presence, interest, time, touch and blessing. Especially your blessing. And, they want you to care enough to lead them to heaven. We lead by example. Gospel musician Hilding Halverson told of overhearing a conversation between his son and two other little boys. The youngsters were bragging about their dads. One boy said proudly, "My dad knows the mayor of our town!" Another said, "So, my dad know the governor of our state!" Halverson's son then came up with this touching comment. "That's nothing. My dad knows God!" Upon hearing this, Halverson quickly slipped away to his room and with tears in his eyes said, "O God, I pray that my son will always be able to say, 'My dad knows God.'" He had been paid the supreme compliment. "The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him" (Proverbs 20:7). [Dr. David L. Chancey is pastor, McDonough Road Baptist Church, Fayetteville. The church family meets at 352 McDonough Road, just past the soccer fields and McCurry Park. Join them Sunday for Bible study at 9:45 a.m. and worship at 10:55 a.m.]
|
||