The overriding principle is that authority is for building up. 2 Corinthians 13:10 says: This is why I write these things when I am absent, that when I come I may not have to be harsh in my use of authority–the authority the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down. Note the important qualifier: authority is to be used to build up. This cannot mean a random, harsh use of authority that leaves behind a trail of discouragement and disillusion. This is the kind of authority that leaves behind a reaction like this: “I’m really glad Dad spoke to me about that; I really needed his help.” If your wife or children seldom have this […]
Daily Archives: June 17, 2013
3 posts
Fathers are in the instruction business–the business of instructing their children to live obediently for the glory of God. Our culture has come to scoff at and even disdain this notion. Parents, and fathers in particular, are seen more as caregivers than as leaders charged with the responsibility of building lives. Words like leadership and accountability don’t sit well in today’s politically correct world. In this world everything must be done for the child in order to serve the child. According to this view, parents must provide care for their children while being careful not to contaminate their minds with stuff about authority and religion. If fathers are relegated to the role of caregiver, then someone else has to be […]
Holidays that focus on family relationships draw more attention with each passing year – some of it good and some not so good. As we pointed out with Mother’s Day, Father’s Day is not a pleasant day for many. Everyone has a father. That much is obvious. The problem comes when Father’s Day becomes a one-size-fits-all event. Everyone has a different life-experience regarding having a Father, being a father or not being a father. Many are blown away by the faithful sacrifice of their dads. Sadly, many are also devastated by their fathers. There are men who are thrilled with the joy of being a father. There are others who are not. There are still others who long to be […]