“You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.” — 2 Timothy 2:1-2
Patrick Ewing is like a father to Dikembe Mutumbo, and now Ewing is coaching Dikembe’s son, Ryan, on the Georgetown University basketball team. Though Ryan learned a lot from his father and his coaches, he yearns to be a better ball handler and shooter than any of his mentors, and to reach even greater heights of excellence on and off the court as he works toward an NBA career.
In addition to his offensive skills, Ryan imitates his father when he blocks shots as an inside force on defense. Though he’s stepping into big shoes, he relishes the challenge.
Fathers make footprints for children to follow. It’s always better when we present a shining example in front of them and teach them to know God’s wisdom and ways. “Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil” (Proverbs 4:26-27). If we want to carefully show the way, then Scripture is a necessity. As the psalmist stated, “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” (Psalm 119:105).
None of us are perfect models, but we help our children and grandchildren do even better than us when we point them to Jesus. The Lord Jesus Christ never gave in to temptation. He always spoke correctly and did right. “Such a high priest truly meets our need — one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself” (Hebrews 7:26-27).
The Apostle Paul urged his spiritual son, Timothy, to follow Christ as he did. “You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others” (2 Timothy 2:1-2). In a similar way, John rejoiced when he saw younger believers walking in his footsteps by saying, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth” (3 John 1:4).
Fathers, with Jesus as your model, you’re equipped to lead your children in the truth.
— Bill Kent, Pastor of Memorial Baptist Church, Sylvania, Georgia
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