Didn't make it to church on Father's Day? Here is a summary of my sermon for you to contemplate.
I had 4 simple points that I elaborated on, below are all four.
I had 4 simple points that I elaborated on, below are all four.
I asked a simple question in my introduction. What is the number 1 issue facing the church today? Is it money? Catchy advertising? Air conditioning and padded pews? The answer is none of the above. The answer, in my humble estimation, is the absence of Godly fathers.
It is with this thought that I will share the "4 D's of a Dynamic Daddy."
The first quality of a dynamic daddy is that he will discipline his children properly. In the book of Colossians, Paul writes these provocative words: "Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged." Fathers take heed. There is a right way and a wrong way to discipline your children. Paul is encouraging fathers to discipline their children in a way that does not break their spirits. Sure discipline is needed and necessary; however, always focusing on a child's negative behavior may not be the best idea. Did you know the single best managerial truth is that what you focus on is what you will receive. That's right, focus all your attention on your child's negative behavior and by default you will reinforce that behavior. The opposite is true too. Let me illustrate this principle with something familiar. Ever see a new baby trying to walk? Now forget the baby for a moment and picture the people in the room as the baby tries to take its first steps. Lots of encouragement, big smiles, loud cheering, clapping with every step ... this is precisely how fathers should discipline their children. Focus on the positive; look for times when your child is headed in the right direction. And praise the heck out of them when they do something almost right. Yes, almost right. Notice I did not say wait till' your kid does something perfect. Perfection never comes. Some fathers need to re-read that last sentence carefully and then tattoo it on their forearms.
The next D of a dynamic daddy is giving direction. This is about the millions of little decisions your kids will face in their lives. I am sure you remember the popular book titled, "Don't sweat the Small Stuff." Well, that advice just plain stinks. A dynamic daddy helps their kids understand that the little things in life will make or break them. Jesus taught that, "Whoever is faithful in very little is also faithful in much, and whoever is unrighteous in very little is also unrighteous in much." Consider the tiny mosquito. Have you ever been caught in a tent with one? Your size compared to the mosquito is not even comparable, yet that little critter has the capacity to ruin your camping experience doesn't it? The little things in life are worth sweating because they make up the BIG things in life. This is something that all fathers try to get their children to comprehend.
D number three is provide a sense of destiny. All great fathers understand and teach their kids that the small things lead to the BIG things. Giving your daughter / son a sense of destiny is vitally important. In Psalm 128:3 we read these seemingly obscure words: "Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine within your house, Your children like olive plants around your table." I can virtually see you scratching your heads. What does this verse have to do with giving your kids a sense of destiny? Well, see that phrase, "your children like olive plants around your table?" Notice the that the Psalmist refers to children as, "Olive Plants." Plants. Not trees. In other words, fathers will understand that his kids are not fully grown. Their roots are tender and just taking root. Dynamic Daddy's understand this and help put things in perspective for their kids. Great fathers use the dinner table for more than just eating, they use it for leading. Leading your kids to understand and pursue a sense of density; getting your children to believe that the future will be better than the past ... this is what the third D is all about.
The final D is decision. You've either heard the sermon or read the article. And I am hoping that if you are a father you agree with the above. However, something else is missing. You need to make a decision. Today. I know that most fathers talk to their kids about most everything. Grades. Dating. College. Peer Pressure. But let me ask: when was the last time you took your daughter by the hand and prayed with her? When is the last time you led your family in family devotions? When is the last time you shared an important Bible verse with your son? Making a decision to be a Godly father is all important. Especially in today's hollow world.
So there you have it!
Anthony's Father Day sermon.
I hope you both enjoyed it and at the same time have been challenge by it.
PS: It is not too late. Meaning, I know that many fathers feel like they have failed their kids in one way or the other. I understand. The important thing to focus on is that you can start today.
D number three is provide a sense of destiny. All great fathers understand and teach their kids that the small things lead to the BIG things. Giving your daughter / son a sense of destiny is vitally important. In Psalm 128:3 we read these seemingly obscure words: "Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine within your house, Your children like olive plants around your table." I can virtually see you scratching your heads. What does this verse have to do with giving your kids a sense of destiny? Well, see that phrase, "your children like olive plants around your table?" Notice the that the Psalmist refers to children as, "Olive Plants." Plants. Not trees. In other words, fathers will understand that his kids are not fully grown. Their roots are tender and just taking root. Dynamic Daddy's understand this and help put things in perspective for their kids. Great fathers use the dinner table for more than just eating, they use it for leading. Leading your kids to understand and pursue a sense of density; getting your children to believe that the future will be better than the past ... this is what the third D is all about.
The final D is decision. You've either heard the sermon or read the article. And I am hoping that if you are a father you agree with the above. However, something else is missing. You need to make a decision. Today. I know that most fathers talk to their kids about most everything. Grades. Dating. College. Peer Pressure. But let me ask: when was the last time you took your daughter by the hand and prayed with her? When is the last time you led your family in family devotions? When is the last time you shared an important Bible verse with your son? Making a decision to be a Godly father is all important. Especially in today's hollow world.
So there you have it!
Anthony's Father Day sermon.
I hope you both enjoyed it and at the same time have been challenge by it.
PS: It is not too late. Meaning, I know that many fathers feel like they have failed their kids in one way or the other. I understand. The important thing to focus on is that you can start today.
Start new. Start fresh.
It is not too late for you to be a dynamic daddy.
It is not too late for you to be a dynamic daddy.
The 4 D's of a Dynamic Daddy:
1) discipline properly
2) give direction
3) provide a sense of destiny
4) decide to be a Godly father today
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