Fatherhood In Action
The title father, is a verb rather than noun, meaning it requires action. Of course it’s easier to be the noun version, but true glory comes in the action of being a father. For your reference, fathers are coaches, are examples, and are supporters to name a few of their distinguished qualities.
Active fathers are coaches! Think of your favorite coach, what were there qualities that made him a father figure in your life? Read Ephesians 6:4. It explains how fathers should train and instruct their children. Fathers train their children to make sure they reach their full potential. As a coach, fathers extort, praise their children with affirmations like: “that-a’ boy/girl”, “you’re doing great”, “keep working hard kid”! With a father-coach, children build confidence in their capabilities. Father-coaches take charge by being stern. “Go do that, right now” is what my dad would say and we immediately knew he meant business. Understanding the power as a father, is equally as important for fathers not to provoke their children, or risk breaking their spirit. See Colossians 3:21.
Active fathers are examples. They combine instruction with demonstration read 1Thessalonians 2:10. Fathers! Understand that you are the immediate example of everything you want your children to do and be. There is no way you can tell a child, “get off of the video game and pick up a book” if you’re sitting on the sofa watching television and they’ve never seen you with a book. Read Romans 4:11. Fathers are role models and trail blazers, only when their children can follow their steps. Which one is easier: receiving directions to a location, or having someone show you the way? If you want to teach a child discipline, be disciplined. Be the example where your child can hear what you say, and want to be just like you, saying, “that’s my dad! I want to be just like him”! See Matthew 23:1-3.
Active fathers are supporters! 2nd Corinthians:12-14 explains that fathers support their children, not vice versa. True fathers look to support, not be supported. Fathers, please understand that support doesn’t always look like monetary reinforcement. I hear this all too much, “I put a roof over their heads, they should be grateful”! Think about the movie Fences, starring Denzel Washington where he played the role of a financially supportive father, but not the emotional supportive father when fundamentally all his son wanted was the emotional support. Again, in 2Corinthians12:15 it explains how fathers are suppose to spend, or use all of their resources, sacrificing themselves for their children; here’s the kicker, sacrifice Happily! It is a joy to be able to provide for your children and see them reach their full potential often becoming more than you could have imaged.
To conclude, being called father can mean one of two things, you’re either the noun or the verb. An active father coaches, is a role model, and supports his children. To those who don’t have kids understand that you can be a spiritual father who embodies these qualities as an example for youth. To those fatherless, get associated with the resources in place to help you through your youth. You can usually find father-like examples in the church, school, or on the field. Single mothers, your amazing strength doesn’t go unnoticed. Please also tap into these resources to support you as you single handedly support your family. If you ever feel inadequate, do your research to get support and don’t be afraid to ask someone you see as an good example for assistance or advice. We need more active fathers as described in the verb tense. If you aren’t a verb yet, it’s never too late for you to start. Which one are you?
Written By: Russell Harris
Active fathers are coaches! Think of your favorite coach, what were there qualities that made him a father figure in your life? Read Ephesians 6:4. It explains how fathers should train and instruct their children. Fathers train their children to make sure they reach their full potential. As a coach, fathers extort, praise their children with affirmations like: “that-a’ boy/girl”, “you’re doing great”, “keep working hard kid”! With a father-coach, children build confidence in their capabilities. Father-coaches take charge by being stern. “Go do that, right now” is what my dad would say and we immediately knew he meant business. Understanding the power as a father, is equally as important for fathers not to provoke their children, or risk breaking their spirit. See Colossians 3:21.
Active fathers are examples. They combine instruction with demonstration read 1Thessalonians 2:10. Fathers! Understand that you are the immediate example of everything you want your children to do and be. There is no way you can tell a child, “get off of the video game and pick up a book” if you’re sitting on the sofa watching television and they’ve never seen you with a book. Read Romans 4:11. Fathers are role models and trail blazers, only when their children can follow their steps. Which one is easier: receiving directions to a location, or having someone show you the way? If you want to teach a child discipline, be disciplined. Be the example where your child can hear what you say, and want to be just like you, saying, “that’s my dad! I want to be just like him”! See Matthew 23:1-3.
Active fathers are supporters! 2nd Corinthians:12-14 explains that fathers support their children, not vice versa. True fathers look to support, not be supported. Fathers, please understand that support doesn’t always look like monetary reinforcement. I hear this all too much, “I put a roof over their heads, they should be grateful”! Think about the movie Fences, starring Denzel Washington where he played the role of a financially supportive father, but not the emotional supportive father when fundamentally all his son wanted was the emotional support. Again, in 2Corinthians12:15 it explains how fathers are suppose to spend, or use all of their resources, sacrificing themselves for their children; here’s the kicker, sacrifice Happily! It is a joy to be able to provide for your children and see them reach their full potential often becoming more than you could have imaged.
To conclude, being called father can mean one of two things, you’re either the noun or the verb. An active father coaches, is a role model, and supports his children. To those who don’t have kids understand that you can be a spiritual father who embodies these qualities as an example for youth. To those fatherless, get associated with the resources in place to help you through your youth. You can usually find father-like examples in the church, school, or on the field. Single mothers, your amazing strength doesn’t go unnoticed. Please also tap into these resources to support you as you single handedly support your family. If you ever feel inadequate, do your research to get support and don’t be afraid to ask someone you see as an good example for assistance or advice. We need more active fathers as described in the verb tense. If you aren’t a verb yet, it’s never too late for you to start. Which one are you?
Written By: Russell Harris
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