Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not part from it. Proverbs 22:6

A recent statistic from the US Census Bureau tells us that one out of every three children in the United States live in a home without a father.   While this is very sad and troubling, I would suggest that perhaps more troubling is that many of those who do live in a household where the father is physically present do not know what it is to have a father who provides spiritual and moral leadership to the family. Fatherhood is much maligned today in our culture which seems to have lost all sense of authority. There are no absolute truths - whatever you believe is okay for you, whatever I believe is okay with me. There are no absolute standards and the thought of a "Father" being the authoritative leader of the home, providing solid training, teaching respect, setting a pious and righteous example, is scoffed at by a society that "knows better".

America needs to return to the days when fathers were expected not only to live with their children, but were also required to be the leader of the family, bringing up their children in the way they should go. Fathers who accept the responsibility given to them by God to lead their families will impact not only their family, but the culture as well, as their children are molded and shaped into well behaved, respectful, God seeking individuals who will positively influence the world.

In a recent message by John MacArthur, on his radio ministry program "Grace to You", he set out ten crucial lessons that wise fathers need to teach their sons. The lessons are all found in the book of Proverbs, "A manual to use in raising children", and are essential for establishing good character, respect, morality and ethics in those under a father's authority.

The ten lessons John shared, with some short notes and Scripture references are:

1. Teach your children to fear your God. Proverbs 1:7, 9:10 Everything starts with fearing God.

2. Not only fear your God but Guard your mind.

3. Obey your parents.

4. Select your companions.

5. Control your body (passions can lead into tragedy upon tragedy) - Proverbs 2:16 Keep your hands to yourself, don't go where you shouldn't go, watch your eyes.

6. Teach your son to enjoy his wife. Proverbs 5:15 Rejoice in the wife of your youth. Teach him by showing him how you treat your wife. Proverbs 31 - She is to be rewarded and praised.

7. Watch your words. Be careful how you speak. Proverbs 4:24 Speak pure, true words. No cursing - discipline when it happens. The lips of the righteous are like..... Proverbs 5:2, 6:12, 10:11- 14, 18- 19. Do not Lie!

8. Teach your son to pursue his work. How to work by word and example. Proverbs 6:6 Even the ant works without supervision; how to plan ahead. Proverbs 22:29, 10:4

9. Manage your money. Prov. 3:9, Be generous with God & he will be generous with you. Use all your money to honor the Lord. Teach him how to give - show him. We as fathers produce the next generation; will it move up or down?   Proverbs 6:1 - Don't be irresponsible with your money.   Don't chase get rich quick schemes. God gave you your resources to be used wisely for God.

10. Love your neighbor. Chap 3:27 - 35. Generosity to the poor, meeting the needs of those around you when you have the resources is honoring God.   If you have it, give it. Don't harm your neighbor - don't plot against them.   Love him, live in peace, meet his needs.

If you fail in this duty as a father: 

• If you fail to teach your son to fear God, the devil will teach him to hate God.
• If you fail to teach your son to guard his mind, the devil will teach him to have an "open" mind.
• If you fail to teach your son to obey his parents, the devil will teach him to rebel and break his parent's hearts.
• If you fail to teach your son to select his companions, the devil will gladly choose them for him.
• If you fail to teach your son to control his body, the devil will teach him to give it over completely to lust.
• If you fail to teach your son to enjoy his marriage, the devil will teach him to destroy the marriage.
• If you fail to teach your son to watch his words, the devil will fill his mouth with filth.
• If you fail to teach your son to pursue his work, the devil will make his laziness a tool of hell.
• If you fail to teach your son to manage his money, the devil will teach him to waste it on riotous living.
• If you fail to teach your son to love his neighbor, the devil will gladly teach him to love only himself.

Being a father is a great responsibility to this generation and to the next.   As Christian fathers we also have a responsibility to those children who are living without the benefit of having a dad in their house.   We need to provide companionship and leadership through our service at church, and in our communities, taking every opportunity to teach and lead all children through our example and words.

Happy Father's Day!