He was a gifted young man. He related well to the other kids and had natural leadership qualities. The pastor saw his heart for the Lord mature into his high school years. The young man led the youth group prayer time every chance he got and enjoyed helping coordinate various trips over the years. He began meeting with the pastor regularly to discuss a future in student ministry.

As he wrapped up his junior year in high school and prepared for the summer mission trip with the youth group, he told his dad of the passion he had for ministry, that he was thinking of being a student minister. The dad quickly retorted that there was no money in student ministry. He explained to his son that college was paid for and it would be about studying law. He was to be a lawyer as his dad was a lawyer. There was no further talk of ministry from the young man. The focus now was on being successful like his dad.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. – 2Corinthians 3:17-18. The Lord grants us liberty, the freedom to choose what we will reflect – As we choose to spend time with Him in prayer, scripture, fasting, worship, and study, transformation will begin. That is what Paul referred to in Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to the patterns of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” It requires choice and action to reflect the glory of God where He has us. Similarly, different choices and actions will reflect the glory of little “g” gods as a man is conformed to the patterns of this world. Being successful is not inherently bad. The charge is to reflect the glory of the right Person on the journey. Kids catch what a dad reflects.

The most powerful man in the world – He is a very unique man who is consistent in his beliefs and stands on issues with a keen understanding of the impact he has on generations to come. He is committed to doing what is right with perseverance second to none. He is a humble leader who accepts responsibility for preserving this one nation under God. He is a dad. The Heavenly Father shares the moniker ‘father’ to convey the power inherent to a dad. It is up to dads to ensure we reflect His glory with that power. The key is that the call has nothing to do with being successful in this world but has everything to do with being faithful.

Prayer guide: Thank You for Your presence in my life! Too often when I see a glimpse of Your glory on the journey as a man in this world, I glorify self in celebrating my accomplishments. Forgive my conformance to the patterns of this world – self-affirmation, self-motivation, self-actualization. Your call is for me to be in ministry 24/7, and that is only done if I glorify You where You have me. Grant me discernment to recognize the devil’s schemes and the strength to rebuke the influence I have allowed him to have in my life. Lord, I want to reflect Your glory where You have me, particularly in my family and with others in my circles of influence. Help me in my weakness to be in ministry 24/7 by reflecting the glory of You in my life.  Amen.

A faithful father reflects the glory of God in family, work and beyond.