A FATHER’S DAY MESSAGE

Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not
forsake your mother’s teaching.

Proverbs 1:8

Time . . . what a precious gift to give to someone, especially to a child.  Remember the old song which was sung by Harry Chapin in 1974, “Cat’s in the Cradle?” I remember thinking when I first heard the song that it was the most heart wrenching song I had ever heard.  If you’re not familiar with the lyrics, it’s a father’s remembrance of his son being born and how from the time his son was a toddler he always said he wanted to be “just like him.”  But there were bills to pay and planes to catch and Dad promised many times to spend time with his young son, but he never seemed to get around to it.  At one point, his son turned 10 and a ball was given for his birthday. He invited Dad to come and teach him to throw, but once again Dad promised that they would get together soon.    

At another point in the song the son had grown up and had a family of his own.  By this time the older Dad is retired and called and expressed that he wanted to spend time with his son and his family. Unfortunately, the son had many excuses and other obligations himself, and somehow he had no time for dear ol’ Dad.  The older Dad suddenly realized that his son had gotten his wish and had indeed become “just like him” and he had reaped what he had sown.  

I’m reminded of another father from the book of Proverbs who was the son of a great king, King David, no less.  King Solomon was just the opposite from the father mentioned in the above song.  This father went to the other end of the spectrum and his words have even been preserved for us today.  Parents for centuries have been able to see from Dad Solomon’s great words of wisdom on how to teach their own children. 

In the first nine chapters of Proverbs, Dad Solomon used a term of endearment for his young son no less than 15 times when he addressed him with “My son.”  He spoke gentle, un-abrasive, but straightforward words of instruction and taught him as only a father can. 

King Solomon himself was full of wisdom since he asked God for wisdom rather than riches, and was well-equipped for the task at hand and he did so with all diligence and dedication.  He even advised his son to “get wisdom” for himself and encouraged him to develop a love for the best things in life-just as his own father, King David, did for him. 

In my mind’s eye, I can see this father and son going for long walks in the gardens of the palace or possibly along a road. I can see this father tenderly placing his arm around his young son’s shoulders and encouraging him as they walked and talked.  As they walk along, I can see this young son looking up admiringly into his father’s mature face, listening ever so intently, longing to be “just like him.”  It seems that I can almost hear Dad Solomon encouraging his son to trust in the Lord with all his heart and not to lean on his own understanding, but in all his ways to acknowledge Him and He would make his paths straight.  (Prov. 3:5-6) 

Dad Solomon cautioned his son as to the ways of the world, telling him to watch his footsteps at all cost and not to go along with sinners who would entice him.  (1:10)  He encouraged his son to embrace his instruction and not to let go of it, for him to guard it well because it would be his life.  (4:13) 

Evidently Dad Solomon realized at one point that he must teach his son the facts of life and did so with the utmost integrity.  He asked his son to pay close attention to his words and to keep them within his heart for they would be life to him and health to his whole body. (4:20-22)  A man of wisdom such as King Solomon knew from what he had seen as king that his young son could very easily be led astray by one with honey dripping from her lips and speech smoother than oil. (5:3)  He even warned his son that He should drink water from his own cistern (5:15) and to rejoice in the wife of his youth. (5:18)

Dad Solomon pointed out that a man’s ways are in full view of the Lord, and He examines all his paths. (5:21) This helped to “drive it home” and let his son know that it wasn’t just him that he must do his best to please, but the Lord Himself, who was most definitely watching! 

The time we’ve seen here that Dad Solomon spent with his son was what I consider quality time.  He ruled an entire kingdom but still had time to spend with his son and speak with him in a fatherly manner. I doubt that any father reading this is ruling a kingdom. The best gift a father can give to his children is his TIME, which is a rare gem that fathers hold and children long to grasp.   

I have found that it doesn’t take lecturing children to teach them. It doesn’t take “don’t do this” and don’t do that.” Yelling sure doesn’t get the job done either and is not what is considered “careful instruction.” Many times fathers can get together with their children to play games and at those times tidbits of wisdom can be interjected at just the right time and can leave a lasting impression.  Sometimes when we think our children aren’t listening, they are!

Be careful Dads, because your young sons especially may want to become “just like you.”  Set a good example before them while they’re young, because it will follow them all of their days.  You set the pattern.

Not long ago, I questioned my brother as to how he had handled a particular incident.  He said, “Well, I just knew that’s probably how Dad would have handled it if he had been in that situation.”  Now this is a grown man still thinking how his own Dad would have done something because he wanted to handle it the same way! That is the greatest compliment he could have given our Dad because our Dad was definitely a man of wisdom and integrity and careful how he handled every situation and predicament. 

After I just wrote this last paragraph I turned right to Proverbs 10:7 and it certainly goes along with what I just said about my father: “The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot.”  This is so true, as we have already seen. Dad, be sure that your children will always remember how you handle situations, how you treat them, how you teach them and how you guide them, but they will especially remember how you made them feel.

Remember that your children may recall the times you have gotten angry and never went back to make it right.  Is this something you want your children to take with them for the rest of their lives?  Will they in turn treat their own children like that because they became “just like you?”  It is very possible.  If that is the case, by the time you get old enough to actually “mellow out,” you may cringe when you see your grandchildren being treated the same way.  Love covers over all wrongs (10:12) and children are the most forgiving little things God ever created!  They will forgive, all will be well and then you can start fresh.    

Dad, you’re God’s special creation and you are loved by your children.  Also, God gives wisdom to those who ask and He will certainly give you the wisdom you need for the wonderful task of teaching and training your precious children.  (James 1:5) 

Oh . . .  and one more thing . . . HAPPY FATHER’S DAY, DAD!  You’re very special and very much appreciated.    

Prayer:
Lord, I pray for every father reading this today. I want to honor them with this message and most of all to honor You as our Heavenly Father.  I dedicate every word to You because You are the provider of everything I have written. I pray that every father will be encouraged to spend time with the precious children you have given them because they’re all gifts from You.  I pray for acts of kindness to be bestowed upon their children and that each father seek Your face to know how to act wisely in all situations, including disciplining them. I pray that each father ask for the wisdom that you give freely.  In Jesus Name.  Amen. 

Go forward with great faith my brothers and sisters!