Bold is synonymous with brave, daring and courageous. These are characteristics every dad should exemplify and every child wishes to be affirmed in. The challenge for dads today who want to be more intentional with their example of standing strong, being brave and courageous is that tolerance and passivity seem to be the social norms.
Often courage and bravery are associated with military service. In times of war, soldiers are the heroes. On the home front, dads are the heroes. The enemy may not be as obvious as in a military conflict but, just as a soldier does on the battlefront, dads must stay alert and tuned-in to the enemy’s plan of attack. Dads are to be boldly engaged emotionally to rebuke schemes aimed at kids today.
“Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law My servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. … Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:7&9. The Father charged Joshua to be strong and courageous four times across the first chapter. This speaks to what men are about, boldly doing whatever is before us – conquer the land, close the deal, win the match. What is in danger of being overlooked is, “Be careful to obey.” Boldly doing in the strength of self can cause a lot of collateral damage – stressed relationships at work, in family, and with self. Joshua was instructed to “…obey all the law”. Similarly, men today are instructed to obey the word of God. Jesus said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”- Luke 11:28. Obedience under Scripture is the undergirding for strength and courage in this world. It provides the perspective that allows one to see more clearly in order to stand strong in relationships and other situations in a way that glorifies the Father. The charge is to be under the authority of the word of God and then boldly engage emotionally in family, church and the workplace.
How are you doing with spiritual disciplines of daily time is Scripture and prayer? Just as one requires physical discipline to stay strong physically, spiritual discipline is required to stay strong spiritually. My encouragement is to find a plan to read through the Bible and work the plan daily. This will provide the strength needed to be a Joshua in your home.
Tips to Boldly Engage:
Be reading Scripture and praying for your bride and kids daily;
Obey the word of God;
Listen well to words, emotions and body language;
Discern through distractions.
Prayer guide: Lord, thank You for Your word and the charge to be strong and courageous. I confess I simplified fathering to being a provider and disciplinarian. Under that definition, I could do dad. Forgive me. I tolerated worldly influences and was passive to Your word. To be the faithful father You call me to be, I need to get to know You better. I commit to reading Scripture and praying for my bride and kids every day. Under Your word and in Your strength, I will boldly engage emotionally in my marriage, family and beyond. That is the dad You call me to be and that’s the dad my kids need to see. Amen.
A faithful father boldly engages emotionally in marriage and family.
