I resolve to be a faithful father engaged in raising a godly generation across 2019. Join me by stepping up to the charge and challenging other dads in your circles to do the same.

THIS YEAR, 2019, I resolve to:

1. 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.
2. 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. I will work to eliminate distractions, especially at the dinner table, and focus on the Counselor.
3. Lead spiritually by example. ‘For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.’ – Romans 8:29. Christ-likeness is what men are to be conformed to. I commit to be more Christ-like tomorrow than today and the journey will bless my family for generations to come.

As a faithful father, I will:

• prioritize my physical presence in the home and at my children’s activities by:                                                                          
  (Putting kids’ activities on my calendar; getting home from work at a consistent time; communicating potential conflicts ahead of time)
   
• work at being more engaged emotionally by:                                           
  (Committing to eat dinner together as a family 5X per week; spending regular one-on-one time with my wife and each child)
   
• lead spiritually by example by:                                                        
  (Spending personal time in prayer & scripture daily; Leading the way to church; leading regular family devotion time)
  
  Signature:                                                   Date:                                    

          Witnesses:                                                                                              

To download the pdf of the resolution, click HERE.

Prayer guide: Lord, I confess I have abdicated much of my role as a father to the schools, the church and to the mother of our children. Help me step up as Your representative in my family. Strengthen my relationship with You and grant me strength to reflect that relationship where You have me every day. Be with me as I resolve to be a faithful father – to prioritize my physical presence, be engaged emotionally and lead spiritually by example. That is the dad You call me to be and the dad the next generation needs. Amen.

Please comment on how you will fill in the blanks this New Year.