I’ve spent the last few weeks combing through old photos of my children. As I stand on the precipice of sending my youngest off to college and walking my oldest down the aisle, life is a bit surreal. Nothing really prepared me for these enormous life changes, and no matter how many times people told me they come quickly, it has come way sooner than I ever imagined.
Looking back at these moments captured in still frames, I naturally think of all the great times I’ve had with my kids over the years, and yet I can’t help but think about all the things I haven’t taught them. Perfection and comparison tend to creep in as I look at other godly dads who are “doing it better than me.” When these messages from the enemy begin to flood my mind, I run to the scriptures,
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one’s youth.
Blessed is the man
who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame
when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. — Psalm 127:3–5.
Dad, did you catch the way the scriptures describe you? You are a warrior, and your children are the weapons of your warfare. As warriors, we are not in competition with one another. We are not all aiming for the same target. We are casting a wide swath, attacking every arena to inflict the most damage on the enemy's schemes. We are protecting each other’s backs and blind spots. So, every day, we sharpen our arrows and prepare them to be launched into the world to push back the darkness and prepare the way for the next generation of warriors. When we are faithful to take our place as men of God, we shall not be put to shame.
Dad, despite what the enemy might whisper to you, you’re doing great! If you’re a dad with kids still at home, keep sharpening, keep knocking off the rough edges. If you’re a dad with kids whom you have launched into the battle, it’s not over. Remain faithful as a fellow warrior and as an example to those who are warring beside you. Maybe you’re a dad with kids who have strayed from the Lord; keep investing, keep inviting.
Now, let me speak to you as the arrow. I may not have enjoyed the sharpening process, but I am thankful for a dad who put in the effort. So, how can we honor their perseverance?
- Spend quality time with him.
- Pray for him, and do it publicly.
- Live out what he taught you.
- Find a way to serve him.
- Ask him for his advice.
Heavenly Father, we thank You today for the ways You have demonstrated Your fatherly love to us. We pray for every dad who is reading this article. We pray that Your righteous wisdom would flood their heart and mind as they raise the heritage that You have given them. May their children grow up to know, love, and serve You all the days of their lives. Thank You for those men You have used to sharpen us and make us useful in the kingdom. Bless them with a legacy that lives well beyond their life. I weep for those who currently do not have or grew up without a dad in the home. Father, bring godly men into their lives who can train them and equip them. For those whose dad has since gone to be with You, comfort them and bring them the joy of every favorable memory. In Jesus' Name, Amen.