A pastor in the hospital for an inner ear procedure struggled with some associated vertigo issues. The nurses promptly put a bright yellow wristband on him with bold letters identifying him as a “FALL RISK”. The intent was to alert those in immediate proximity to be aware and position themselves in a way to prevent a fall or at least minimize the likelihood of injury if he did fall.

Not one to overlook a good sermon topic, the pastor kept some notes on his hospital stay. Upon return to the pulpit, he proudly displayed the bright yellow wristband and suggested all Christians should wear one. All are subject to a fall from grace.

“but it is the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” – Romans 3:22-33. Paul is declaring that apart from the Law, the righteousness of God has been revealed. The religious leaders of the day had added several hundred rules to the Law thinking they could stand in their own strength and not fall short of the glory of God. A study of pastors that have fallen from grace due to sexual immorality, addiction or other improprieties, cited three commonalities: the lack of daily personal time in prayer and scripture; no accountability brothers / battle buddies; and an air of invulnerability. They thought they were fall-proof. Paul said that is not possible. All have sinned and fall short – The questions are: How far will one fall; How hard will one land; and, how much collateral damage will be incurred? Kids tend to put dads and moms on pedestals, particularly early in life. As they mature, parents are seen in a more realistic light. The charge to dads is to schedule routine one-on-one time with each child and, age-appropriately, shed light on the journey through the peaks and valleys of life. Sooner or later the kids are going to realize dad is not perfect. It is healthy for the father-child relationship when a dad is real in discussing his imperfections, all the while pointing to the perfect Father.

Tips for managing Fall Risk:

• Spend personal time in scripture and prayer daily;
• Establish relationships with 1-3 battle buddies in which you can be vulnerable;
• Pray for and with your wife and kids every day;
• Set boundaries for times and/or activities that stir up vulnerabilities;
• Schedule routine one-on-one time with your wife and each child;
• Watch the Kendrick Brothers’, “Show Me the Father” together as a family.

Prayer guide: Thank You Lord for Your word and for Your Son offered as propitiation for my sin. I confess my vulnerability to success and pride in this world. I allowed my life’s priorities to get all discombobulated. Forgive me. Thank You for being present during my time in scripture and prayer. Thank You for the battle buddies in life that I can be vulnerable with and accountable to. Thank You for my wife and family that I can engage with and be real with. And thank You for being my Father whom I can emulate and point to as I represent You in my home. Grant me discipline to manage my “Fall Risk” well. That is the dad You call me to be and that’s the dad my kids need to see. Amen.

A faithful father manages his “Fall Risk” well through faith in Jesus the Christ.