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Father's Day

Father's Day is celebrated by many. Mother's Day is still celebrated by even more people. Father's Day started in 1972 but Mother's Day was started back in 1914. We are told that 106 million telephone calls are made to mothers but only 83 million are made to fathers, and 27% of them are collect. This has been reported by Pat Baldwin. Yes, there are good fathers and bad fathers. The same is true of mothers.

It would appear that fathers show their love for their children and family in different ways then mothers. It is said, "Like father, like son; what the father does, the son will most probably follow." That is why I like and agree with the words of Richard Manschester who said, "I'm no model father. All I'm trying to do is behave so that when people tell my son that he reminds them of me, he'll stick out his chest instead of his tongue."

As parents, both mothers and fathers, God has entrusted us with the wonderful gift of children. And each one of the children look to us to get an understanding of God. If we are harsh or mean then God most likely will appear or seem like an angry God. If we are gentle and forgiving then God will most likely appear or seem more loving. What a challenge for us to be God's riser of His children here on earth. Yes, it is a challenge but also a great joy.

Proverbs 22:6

"Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it."

Proverbs 23:13

"Do not withhold discipline from a child. You will not save his life from Sheol."

Yes, it calls for a balanced example. But in both cases we act out of love and what is best for this small child of God.

As a father I have make mistakes, sad to say. But it gives me an opportunity to show my children how they are to go to God and ask for forgiveness. I have seen adults who refuse to forgive someone even when that person pleads for forgiveness. I have never seen a child not forgive someone when they have asked for forgiveness. This is an example of acting like a child which is good.

When Jesus taught His disciples the Lord's Prayer, He spoke these words to them at the same time.

Matthew 6:14

"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses. Neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."

Were these just nice words to Jesus or were they really His Father’s Will? I believe the answer is clear when He spoke the following words in regard to the people of His day as well as ours.

Luke 23:34

"Father forgive them; for they know not what they do."

He speaks these words as He hangs on the cross paying the price for their sins and our sins.

As fathers and mothers and just plain people we are called to teach God’s love to His children that he has loaned to us for a short time and brings into our presence for a short time. What a wonderful opportunity! What a wonderful challenge at times! What a wonderful job we have! May God bless you as you are a blessing to other people. When things get tough remember Jesus' words.

Matthew 28:20

"Lo, I am with you always to the close of the age."

Live each day knowing how much God loves you and that you are His example here on earth. May God give you great joy each and everyday in this calling.