Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

One might argue that there is no utopia on this side of heaven, and I would have to agree, to an extent. The closest thing to heaven on earth, in my opinion, is when I see my kids experiencing the love and power of the Father in a real and tangible way. This is beautiful. The second thing I would say is close to experiencing heaven on earth is when I see Fathers modeling and teaching their kids how to pray for people, share the Good News with friends and strangers, and walk-in obedience to Christ’s commands.

I think it unfortunate when I hear Fathers say, “I don’t know how to disciple my kids.” I would say to those dads, “that’s not true!” I then proceed to ask them what their son or daughter likes to do, what sport they like to play. “Oh, my son loves football and we go to every game, and watch NFL so he can really learn from the pros! Joey’s favorite team is the Chiefs, and he has a Patrick Mahomes jersey because he wants to be like him when he grows up!” My reply to that father would be, “you have just explained to me how you have discipled your son in the sport of football, it’s really no different disciplining them in Christ! You just have your priorities switched around!” We live in a culture where dads are overzealous to see their kid become the next NBA legend or baseball prodigy, but when it comes to training them up in the knowledge of the Word…silence. What is wrong with this? Where are the God-fearing men who are devoted like Paul and Timothy to be wholehearted towards the next generation spreading the Gospel?

My greatest disciples will always be those in my household. They see me everyday in all of my good, bad, and ugly. I have an opportunity to not only point them to Christ, but lead them by the hand and show them how to be Christ to those around them. My greatest witness and testimony will be lived on through my children. I am constantly asking God for help, I want to be better, more committed, more devoted to showing them all the important characteristics about God, who He really is. I want them to know Him deeply. Experientially. Encounter after encounter. I want them to experience the supernatural power of God. Why would I not? I want them to become addicted to the presence of God, not just going to church and going through the motions, but really tasting and seeing that the Lord is good! This has to be in the heart of every father in this generation who has a deep cry in their heart for more. Our kids need to be zapped in the love of the Father, drenched in His affections for them. They also need to be prepared to take a stand when everyone else is taking a seat. Bold, fearless, sons and daughters on mission. Let’s do this dad. Let’s find a way. Let’s start today.