Fathers, bring your children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord

Thu, Jun 12th 2014, 12:07 PM

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the spirit enabled them. [Acts 2:1-4]
The spirit of truth, or the Holy Spirit, gives us power to work in the world. Therefore, as people of God who are united in Christ, we are infused with power to do God's work in the world.
Martin Luther, in his small catechism, explained the power of the Holy Spirit in his explanation to the third article of the Apostles' Creed. He said: "I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength, believe in Jesus Christ, my lord, or come to him; but the Holy Spirit has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with his gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith."
As we celebrate Father's Day this coming Sunday, we who are in Christ Jesus rely upon the spirit to guide us. He helps us in our daily walk as fathers. Being a father is not an easy task. Fatherhood carries great responsibilities.
A Christian father is expected to be a role model to his children, take them to church, make quality time for his children, treat each child as an individual, teach them to be good citizens, provide for his children and discipline his children.
As a role model to his children, the Christian father must respect himself and the mother of his children. In the home, he should demonstrate love for his wife. Children have a sense of security and stability when they know that their parents love and care for one another. The father should also show good manners and respect for others. Children emulate or copy what they see their parents do. This is why the father should display good qualities.
A father should share his faith with his children. It is good for them to see him practice his faith and demonstrate his love for God and his word. He should take his children to church regularly. This helps to instill the love of God in them.
Always make quality time for your children. There will be times when you will be tired and busy, yet, should your child or children request your attention, make time to listen and give advice. Never be too busy for them. This demonstrates your love and concern for them. During the year, take off a week or two and vacation with your children.
Children are not all the same, therefore don't tell a child that you are disappointed in him or her because he or she is not like the other. Treat your children as individuals. They are different and will not all turn out the same way. Some will be more successful than others. Appreciate them for what they are.
Citizenship is something that children should learn. It is good that they learn it from their fathers. Being a citizen of a country is much more than having a birth certificate or a passport. Citizenship carries responsibility. Children should learn to respect the laws, the institutions and symbols of the state.
A father should see to the personal comfort of his children. He should provide habitation, suitable food, clothing and that which is conducive to the comfort of their existence.
Without proper discipline, anarchy reigns. A father should lovingly teach his children obedience. Through discipline he should correct bad habits.
Fatherhood is a responsibility that fathers should cherish. Children are gifts from God. I beseech you fathers to "bring your children up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord." Amen.
o Reverend Samuel M. Boodle, pastor at The Lutheran Church of Nassau, can be reached at P.O. Box N 4794, Nassau, Bahamas, or telephone: 323-4107; E-mail: lutheranchurch@coralwave.com, Website: www.nassaulutheranchurch.org.

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