“Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.” – Proverbs 17:6
God’s design from the beginning for the blessing and provision of man, is the family. That is why it is so sad that the devil has effectively undermined the family in our society today. Frankly, I am amazed that more people are not alarmed by the obvious correlation between the decline of traditional families and the increase of a dysfunctional society. Instead society seems to go out of its way to encourage that which challenges the home.
As we see from the verse above, God meant for children and grandchildren to be the rewarding crown of old men. As families become more fragmented, however, old men today tend to take more pride in their achievements on the job, or in material things such as cars, houses, gardens, fishing boats or in hobbies rather than in their children. To be honest, many fathers see disappointment and frustration or just have a hard time understanding their children and perhaps even more the grandchildren. Perhaps it is because they put more of their life in their job or their hobby than they did in their child?
It is not my intention for this to be a negative essay but I feel the need to remind us as fathers that investing in the lives of your children, grandchildren and in your family as a whole is infinitely wiser than devoting your energies in things that will disintegrate soon after you’re gone. Dad, your greatest legacy and the most lasting contribution you can make to this world is your children! The Apostle John wrote, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” Children learn first and foremost from our example. You must be committed to walking in the truth of God if you hope to have the joy of seeing your child live consistent with God’s truth.
Notice also the end of the verse, “the glory of children are their fathers”. If you are a father with children still in the home, let me remind you that if you want to rejoice in your grandchildren some day you need to be the type of dad your children can glory in today. Be a man they can look up to and find the leadership and example they need to guide them through this changing world. Be a man they can trust, who is loyal and faithful to the home. Be a man they can confide in and know that they’ll always find love and respect. Children want to glory in their father; his wisdom, his strength, his guiding example, his faithful dependability. Christian Dad, you can be that kind of father as you look to your Heavenly Father and glory in Him. Have a happy Father’s Day.
Pastor Tom Kline
Castlegar Baptist Church