Sonora Dodd was inspired by the selflessness of her father. So much so that she held the first FATHER’S DAY celebration on June 19, 1910, in Spokane, Washington. Her novel idea of honoring fathers eventually spread. Finally, in 1966, then President of the U.S. Lyndon Johnson officially proclaimed the third Sunday of June as Father’s Day.
As Dad’s, we hope that we are helping our children and not hurting them in some hidden way. Here are 6 techniques to becoming a better Father.
Focus your own life on the Lord.
Everything begins and ends with this – Everything! Col. 3:1 (GW) says, “Since you were brought back to life with Christ, focus on the things that are above—where Christ holds the highest position.”
Adore your spouse.
Ephesians. 5:25 (NIV) says, “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her”
Someone once said “The greatest gift of man can give his children is to love his wife” I believe this to be true. This is the greatest single gift you can give your children is to love your wife. Always ask yourself this question “What am I my teaching my children when they see how I’m treating my wife?” Husbands do you adore your spouse?
Train your child.
You may have heard this verse: “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Proverbs 22:6 (NJB)
There are 2 commands that God tells us in this verse on parenting:
- First, we are to “Train” which literally means ‘fill the hand‘. Give them something that they can apply in their life. Let them know you love them, verbally and they will carry that in their ‘hand’ the rest of their lives. What should I train him in? Primarily, we as Dads are to train them in the knowledge of the Lord!
- Second, we are to train them how to live. Loving correction and discipline produces health and balance. Proverbs 23:13 (NIV) “Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you punish him with the rod, he will not die.”
Hold your child.
A gentle hug communicates safety, acceptance and love. Jesus did this in Mark 10:16 (NIV) “And he took the children in his arms, put his hands on them and blessed them.”
Express your love.
There is a current Verizon commercial with a Father and Son buying phones but their spoken words, while brief, communicates so much (SEE THE VIDEO HERE).
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (CEV) says, “Love is kind and patient,never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude.Love isn’t selfish or quick tempered.It doesn’t keep a record of wrongs that others do. Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. Love is always supportive,loyal, hopeful, and trusting. Love never fails!
Finally,
Represent Jesus to your children. Dad, did you know that the picture your children have of you is a similar picture that they have of Jesus! It’s true! The way you treat your young child translates, for them, “This is how God will treat me!”
That’s why Paul in his letter to the Corinthians was so careful yet firm on telling them – follow me! As I follow Christ!
“For even if you had ten thousand others to teach you about Christ, you have only one spiritual father. For I became your father in Christ Jesus when I preached the Good News to you. So I ask you to follow my example and do as I do.” 1 Cor. 4:15-16 (NLT)
None of us are perfect, nor will we be. But the adventure called “Fatherhood” is one that I’m glad was well represented in my life and I pray that I’m always becoming a better Father.
Happy Father’s Day!
Question: What are some great things your own dad has done in your life? Write a reply below …
Peace!
Todd Stocker 