A Father's Influence

The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him. -Prov 20:7 (NASB)

I really just want to write today to encourage any of you fathers out there (single or married) and explain to you the unmeasurable weight you carry as an influence in your children's lives.  I'm not going to dwell on statistics or redundant statements; but rather, on personal experience and of course- God's Word.
As the verse above explains, when we are walking in harmony with Jesus and His commandments, we not only prosper, but as do our kids.  God loves to bless other generations through the faithfulness of others. (Deut 7:9)  My daughter's life is no different. 

Any of you who know my story know that there was a point in my life when I was living for everything OTHER than God.  I destroyed not only my own body physically and spiritually- but so many individuals were left for the worse after they had met me.  Some of those people I have been able to reconcile relationship with and ask for their forgivness; obviously I was forgiven as well when I came to the Cross.  Over the years I have had numerous ups and downs in both my walk with the Lord and as a father.  However, God does not look at the short term (though He is concerned with our daily walk), but rather with the molding and shaping of our character.  Very rarely do things happen overnight in regards to this- it is a lifelong process.  Paul tells us in Phil 1:6, "For I am confident in this very thing, that He who began good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." (NASB)

Every time I have my daughter I watch with absolute awe and amazement of all that God is doing in her life.  She is becoming stronger in her prayers every day; is very selfless when it comes to the wellbeing of others (a quaility rare in any 6 year old); and makes life decisions often beyond her years.  It is because of the fruit like this that (without going into detail) my mentor once told me that if she is already portraying these type of Christ-like attributes, that my influence is definitely stronger than others in her life.  I am not saying this by any means to diminish her mother's parenting.  I am simply making the point that when we dads are completely sold out to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, despite our past mistakes- God will cleanse and establish us.  Being faithful to His word, He will bless or children as well. 

So here is my charge to you today Dad: Dig into God's Word and follow Jesus' commandments.  Continue to strengthen your relationship with Him through prayer and take up your cross daily.  Understand what your children need from you as their father and seek God in accomplishing this.  Our Father expects very our best, and our children deserve no less.  Be blessed man of God.