World Changers
I believe fathers have the power to change the world. Through fatherhood we have the potential to change the future generations and oh, how we need change in future generations!
It took the intervention of a Father to rescue a hurting and lost humanity. Through sending His son Jesus to die on a cross for each and every one of us (Rom 10:13), we enter into a better and eternal future.
Romans 10:13-14 (ESV)
For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
1 John 3:1 ESV
See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him.
As an earthly father I believe I have the potential to change the world through my children to. When I look at the need in the world today it can become overwhelming but through the lives of my children and the grace of God, I can make a significant contribution to seeing the world change for the better.
A Huge Responsibility
One of my favourite verses in the whole of the Bible in Psalm 127:4. It reminds me that fatherhood is such a huge responsibility, one which demands my full attention and focus. I particularly like the imagery it uses to describe the relationship between a father and their child. Arrows were seen as a powerful defence against the enemy and whilst I’m not expecting to be attacked by anyone right now, I can grasp the idea of my children being a blessing to me in times of need.
Psalm 127:4-5 ESV
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one's youth.
Blessed is the man
who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame
when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
I’ll happily assume the role of the warrior - I like the sound of that! And if my children are my arrows, then I as a father must handle them with care if they are to have impact. In order for my arrows to fly right and reach their destination there are a few things I have to consider. As we look closer at the nature of arrows we get a glimpse into some of the facets of a father that can help change the world;
1. Arrows are as straight as we carve them
Fathers are Craftsmen
The truth is that every arrow begins life as a stick. This stick needs to be crafted, carved and moulded into an arrow to enable it to fly well when released. In the same way, our children start out as little twigs and it’s our responsibility as fathers to shape them into who we’d like them to become. If we don’t, someone else will. If we shape them right, our children can change the world.
Proverbs 22:6 (ESV)
Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.
2. Arrows are as safe as the quiver that holds them
Fathers are Guardians
Arrows are precious and can be easily damaged if no care it taken to hold them close. In the same way arrows need a comfortable and stable quiver, our homes should provide the same for our children. In reality, the home can become a difficult place when there is conflict or circumstances of life force change upon us.
Whatever your home environment is like, do your very best to design a home where your children are safe and protected. The enemy would like nothing more than for your arrows to become damaged or ineffective.
3. Arrows go the way we aim them
Fathers are Navigators
Arrows fly in the direction they are pointed. This simple fact can help us understand how important it is to position our children to go in the right direction as they grow older and into adulthood. As fathers, the must work with purpose to guide our children’s character, worldview and values begins early on and requires attention to make constant minor adjustments throughout our parenting journey.
4. Arrows soar as high as we send them
Fathers are Encouragers
Arrows fly high if we aim high! It’s the same with our children. Helping them to aim high in life begins by speaking words of life over them and helping them to take steps of faith, believing in their abilities. Be a lifter of your children’s head, always cheering them on and encouraging them to dream big dreams.
Help them to keep the faith and trust a God who is able to do more than they could hope or imagine! (Eph 3:20)
5. Arrows are most effective when we release them
Fathers are Empowerers
Arrows will only have impact if we release them. As a father, I want my children to go far and be world changers but they can’t do that from the safety of the quiver. I must allow them to fly on their own and if required fail. Failure is part of their journey and if we don’t allow them to walk on their own they will never fulfil their destiny.
Failure is never meant to define your children, it is meant to grow them. As fathers we must empower then to walk on their own two feet and grow into mighty men & women God has called them to be.
Fatherhood is such a huge responsibility, one which I am committed to giving my full attention and focus. And in turn, the world will be a different place in generations to come.
How about you?
