The Power of a Dad

Preacher:
Date: October 5, 2015

Bible Text: Ephesians 6:4 | Speaker: Darlene Sala | Series: Encouraging Words |

Two verses in the New Testament about fathers have long fascinated me. The first is this: “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). The second is similar: “Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged” (Col. 3:21).

OK, what makes a child bitter or exasperated with his dad—and therefore discouraged? I can think of a long list of things—inconsistency, favoritism, punishment greater than the crime, misplaced priorities, unrealistic expectations, being unapproachable, and jumping to conclusions without listening. I’m sure you could add more.

But let’s turn that around and ask, “What encourages a child?” I could come up with another long list, but we’d run out of time to talk about all of them. Let’s just look at two or three.

First, praise encourages a child. Children thrive when you validate their value. A child rarely forgets his father’s praise. It’s like a write-protected file on a computer that stays with him for life.

A second trait that encourages kids is when you are available to them. Yes, I know that dads are busy people, but children are very important human beings! They blossom when you have time for them, when you are approachable, and when you listen.

Then, third, dads, your kids are encouraged when you have realistic expectations of them. Kids will be kids—you wouldn’t want them any other way.

They don’t have your level of maturity yet and certainly not your years of experience. When they disappoint you, give them the benefit of the doubt.

If a father treats his child in a way that he becomes bitter, the child can transfer that bitterness to God. Instead, follow Paul’s example, who treated the early Christians “as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging [them] to live lives worthy of God” (1 Th. 2:11- 12). That’s the power of a dad!