Fathers

It is almost Father's Day. I hope all you fathers out there are duly appreciated and feel loved. My father has been gone for 31 years but the memories are still fresh in my mind and heart. Fathers are important and not just the biological ones. There are spiritual fathers, those that help train us up spiritually, lifting us emotionally, hold us accountable and are willing to incur our wrath by telling us what we need to hear when we need to hear it.

Have you ever noticed that Father's Day is THE lowest attendance Sunday the whole year long. Look around at the sparse congregation if YOU are there this year; it isn't hard to believe. The most influential person in a child's life is the same sex parent. When father's do not step up and take their God ordained place as the spiritual head of the family, families break down. When fathers not only do not insist that their children go to church and do not set the example themselves, the message is loud and clear. When following God is THE priority in the family, the children are having a spiritual foundation planted in them they can build on.

As one who did not come from that background, I have to admit I did not give that to my children when they were young. I did not experience it or even know of it. You can not share what you do not know. They were raised in church after a point and they each know Jesus, but can not say they had a home where Jesus was Lord. I can lead by example now but they are all adults, accountable for their own choices and actions.

Moses was a reluctant spiritual father to millions. Like you and I, he could list all the reasons he was unqualified to lead anyone, much less an entire nation of folks. Like you and I, God chose to use him anyway. Obedience is the key! Excuses for disobedience have not changed much since Moses' experience withthe burning bush. He tried to hide behind the same faith barriers believers use today: poor self-image , ignorance of God, self-doubt, feelings of inadequacy, and fear of failure.

Thankfully, God's response to faith barriers has not changed since Old Testament days. Each time Moses protested that God asked the wrong man-a slow-tongued shepherd of slavery lineage, who murdered a man and became a fugitive-God responded with a firm but gentle rebuttal. The theme of His answers is one we all need to understand as Moses finally did-when we are called to serve (and we are ALL called to serve), God does the work through us. The Lord does not seek out the best person for a job. He calls men and women who are willing to surrender themselves to Him.

So, Fathers, you can wait for a burning bush experience if you want to but remember, obedience delayed is disobedience. You are the spiritual leader of your home and family. No one else can fill that position; it is God ordained that YOU fill those shoes. Serving the Lord doesn't mean you have to leave the country, it starts fresh every morning the moment your feet hit the floor.

Rise up, mighty men of God. Let the Lord lead you as you lead your family!