THIS FATHER’S DAY, June 21st, 2020, I commit as a faithful father to move forward with a New Perspective gleaned from experiences we had as a family Before Covid & During Covid. I will:
Prioritize my physical presence in the home and with family. ‘In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning … The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.’ John 1:1-2, 14. Just as God provided a connection with Him through the physical presence of His Son, a father provides a connection to the Father by being present and accounted for in family. Increased physical presence has been a given over the last several months. I will be intentional to continue prioritizing family time.
Be engaged emotionally with my wife and kids. ‘If you love Me, you will obey what I command. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever – the Spirit of Truth.’ – John 14:15-17. Jesus anticipated emotional distractions long before 150 cable channels, i-phones, texting, radio and newspapers, not to mention other worries, frustrations and discouragement. During Covid, a number of distractions, especially all the busy-ness of calendars chock-full of activities, were eliminated. I will build on lessons learned ‘During Covid’ and step forward with a New Perspective for emotional engagement in family, especially at the dinner table, and help all focus on the Counselor.
Lead spiritually by example. ‘Keep these commands I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise.’ – Deuteronomy 6:6-7. One positive around watching church services online During Covid has been the spiritual discussion that has happened real time with the kids. I was busted because I was falling short as the spiritual leader in my home. I will continue the momentum by discussing the pastor’s sermon and scripture passage and utilizing one ConnectCard a week to initiate more spiritual discussion in family.
As a faithful father, I pledge to: Prioritize my physical presence;
be engaged emotionally; and,
lead spiritually by example.
Click HERE to view or download the Pledge and ConnectCards.
Prayer guide: Lord, thank You for the many gifts and blessings in my life, may I never take them for granted. Thank You for the opportunity to learn more about Your call for me as a father through this Covid time – to be present physically, engaged emotionally and lead spiritually. Strengthen me to accept responsibility for the opportunity You offer as I pledge to be a faithful father – to be the father You call me to be, the father the next generation needs. Amen.
A faithful father prioritizes physical presence, is engaged emotionally and leads spiritually by example.
Whether I have:
PLEDGED,
PURPOSED, or
PROMISED;
to adhere to the three key definition items of being a Faithful Father, I still have to get on my knees before the Holy Spirit and pray for His help in keeping my Vows.
AMEN ?
