Proverbs 3
11 My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline,
and do not resent his rebuke,
12 because the Lord disciplines those he loves,
as a father the son he delights in.
A father disciplines a son he delights in? "I love you son, so let me show that by paddling your behind."
The are several reasons that we have a men's ministry at Hope:
- Create an environment that encourages men to be comfortable in a setting with other men of God to grow in faith.
- Encourage men to be the man God intended us to be in terms of spiritual leadership in our families, churches, and communities.
- Provide a setting that holds men accountable while at the same time expresses grace for the purpose of knowing our misgivings are forgivable and redeemable.
- Share that good news with other men who may not know God.
So to the passage from the beginning of the devotion. Unfortunately, the word discipline gets lost in translation. A father disciplines his son or daughter by teaching him the ways of faith and life. That can include an abundance of things, but most certainly a faith life, a disciplined approach to work, family and friends, how to navigate the complexities found in this world while remaining grounded in his or her daily walk.... you get the idea.
You, as a husband/father, are a critical element in the balance of life for your family. As I did a search on Google for the "best bible passage" for the devotion for Father's Day, the search yielded an abundance of scripture passages emphasizing a father's role in the development of the family, as a provider and protector, as a teacher, as a bold proclaimer of faith. It created a checklist of every possible way I failed as a father.
Hence the grace we seek when we fail. We hold each other accountable by listening and, when given permission, providing advice or suggestions. We should at all times remind one another of the grace that is in abundance as well for our shortcomings.
Blessings on your day, Father's Day. Our prayer is that God's Spirit guide us and give us strength as men of God to teach and create discipline in our children and within our families as a whole. God be with you each and every day on your journey as a father.
Happy Father's Day men.
