“WHEN DOES A MAN BECOME A FATHER?”

"WHEN DOES A MAN BECOME A FATHER?"

INTRODUCTION:

This question, obviously, begs a simple answer. In fact, ...... we all know the simple answer.

But, I believe, that the real meaning of fatherhood is not merely the mixing of chromosomes which is involved in the natural birthing process. I believe that there is most certainly a physical involvement, but, I also believe that there is an emotional and spiritual responsibility.

Even secular society understands that a man’s duty to fatherhood does not end at the birth of the child. In fact, most states (perhaps every one) has enacted laws to make men responsible for their children. The reality of run away dads is one of the saddest and most detrimental facts in the lives of million of children in America today.

So, my message will focus on that emotional and spiritual connection which is, and ought to be, between every child and every father.

I realize that every child does not have a Godly father. Perhaps, you did not have a Godly father - or - perhaps you did. In fact, I wish I could solve every relationship, past and present, which has not been healthy or positive. The truth is, of course, that most events of the past cannot be changed. So .... what are we to do?

I believe that we must forgive the past and build on the future. If you have failed to be a Godly father, make a commitment to God and your family to change. The future does not have to be a succession of re-runs of the past.

(Josh 24:15 KJV) And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

A MAN BECOMES A FATHER WHEN:

1. HE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HIS CHILD IS A GIFT FROM GOD.

2. WHEN HE DEDICATES HIS CHILD TO THE LORD TO BE USED IN HIS SERVICE.

3. WHEN HE MAKES A COMMITMENT TO GOD TO GROW AS A CHRISTIAN PARENT.

4. WHEN HIS VALUES ARE GODLY AND HIS BEHAVIOR REFLECTS THOSE VALUES.

5. WHEN HE EXPRESSES LOVE AND ACCEPTANCE TO HIS CHILDREN.

6. WHEN HE PRAYS DAILY FOR HIS FAMILY.

7. WHEN HIS VIEW OF DISCIPLINE IS CONSTRUCTIVE AND NOT JUST PUNISHMENT.

8. WHEN HE MAINTAINS WORSHIP AND BIBLE STUDY IN THE HOME.

9. WHEN HE INVOLVES THE FAMILY IN CHURCH SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES.

10. WHEN HE LEADS HIS CHILDREN, BY EXAMPLE, IN A CHRISTIAN LIFESTYLE.