The story goes of one man receiving a call to change the world. As an ambassador to a foreign nation, he felt he was in the right spot, but the complexities of the different nations quickly overwhelmed him. Frustrated, he turned to his own nation to change it for the better. Again, the different cultures created obstacles he could not overcome. He then decided to turn to his city, but times had changed and the city council was not receptive to his suggestions. Finally, he turned to his family thinking he could at least have an impact there, but his kids were now grown.
The moral of the story is that you can only change one person, yourself. And as you change, under the Word of God and the influence of the Holy Spirit, your marriage and family relationships will be strengthened. Stronger families make stronger churches. Stronger churches make stronger cities. Stronger cities make for stronger states and as the states go, the nation goes. And stronger nations will change the world for the better.
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30. Jesus’ call is, “Come to Me.” The call is more about who you are and Whose you are than what you do. Man’s nature is to do and accomplish, to be successful on the journey. The mentality is that bigger is always better and pride rears its head. In James 4:6 we learn, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” The call is for transformation to Christ-likeness. In his book, Choose the Life, Bill Hull writes that this is to: “Believe what Jesus believed; Live as Jesus lived; Love as Jesus loved; Minister as Jesus ministered; and Lead as Jesus led.” A dad on this journey in the home and church will have a Kingdom influence and indeed be a world changer.
In John’s gospel, Jesus gives us nine “I am…” statements which are actually expectations of how we are to follow Him. The first three are: “I am the Bread of life; … Light of the world; … Gate for the sheep.” He expects man to embrace eternal life and act saved. The second three are: “I am the Good Shepherd; …the Resurrection; … the Vine.” In these statements, He expects man to obey, to live under the Word of God. Finally, He says, “I am the Way, the Truth and the Life.” The Lord expects man to mature in relationship with Him. Then it is expected of man to live that relationship in marriage, family and beyond. Men that answer the call for transformation to Christ-likeness are world changers.
Prayer guide: Lord, thank You for Your Word and Your love for me. I tend to get busy doing what I think You want me to do and expect You and others to give me a pat on the back for a job well done. Forgive me. Help me stay tuned in to You and become the man, husband and father You call me to be. Equip me under Your Word to know You and become more like You. I want to gain understanding of how to live with an eternal perspective in this life; how to obey and live under Your Word daily; and finally, how to mature in relationship with You and live that relationship in marriage and beyond. Your Word says I can do all things through You Who gives me strength (Phil.4:13). Help me believe this and embrace the call to come to You. Amen.
A faithful father answers the call for transformation to Christ-likeness.
The story goes of one man receiving a call to change the world. As an ambassador to a foreign nation, he felt he was in the right spot, but the complexities of the different nations quickly overwhelmed him. Frustrated, he turned to his own nation to change it for the better. Again, the different cultures created obstacles he could not overcome. He then decided to turn to his city, but times had changed and the city council was not receptive to his suggestions. Finally, he turned to his family thinking he could at least have an impact there, but his kids were now grown.
