Fathers

I know this post is a few days late, but I would like to dedicate this post to my dad. I've been really busy here in Ocean City and this was the first chance I've had since Father's Day to blog.

I'm going to talk a little bit from Proverbs about fathers and a little bit about fatherhood in general. Along with this, I will probably tie in some thoughts on being a husband too although I do not have any experience, I've had a great example.

I would suggest reading and keeping Proverbs 4:1-4 and 20:7 in mind as I talk for a bit. The first set of verses there talks about how a son should listen to his father and heed his teachings because they provide us insight. This makes a lot of sense when you think about it, our fathers have lived this life for probably 20+ years more than us. They have experienced the trials and hardships that we face and have insight into what we are going through. This being true, fathers should pay special attention to Proverbs 20:7. They are called to be righteous and full of integrity so that they can provide an example for their children. If they are to be able to teach their children as Proverbs 4:1-4 calls, they need to strive to have integrity. This being in the Old Testament, Christ hadn't entered the picture yet but I would say that striving to be Christ-like is in here as well. Father's should be able to provide an example for their children and hopefully this example is one of Christ-likeness and of integrity. I think in every way, fathers can look to our heavenly Father for an example. I believe this goes along with Christ-likeness however. They have a duty to love, care for, teach, provide for, forgive, and discipline their children. These are just a few attributes of our heavenly Father but they are a good start for an example of a good father.

A lot of fathers are also husbands because that is what God intended for our lives. As Ephesians 5:25 says : "Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her". I feel like this is the best one sentence summary of being a husband there is. One simple sentence that says so much. Husbands are the head of the household but should not abuse this power. They have power over their wives but they are also called to love their wives. Comparing the love a husband shows his wife to the love Christ shows us is an incredibly powerful image. This kind of husbands provides for his wife, loves and cares for her, forgives her, guides her, is a rock for her, and anything else that comes to mind when you think of Christ's love for the church. So, when you are looking to be a husband or looking for one, keep in mind the love that they should show their significant other. If you already are a husband or have one, strive to make that relationship into one that is Christ centered.

One last note, I just want to take a second and thank my dad for all that he has done for me. He has always been a rock in our family and I am grateful for that. No matter what our family was going through, he was always there and always provided something to hold on to. He has brought me and my three brothers up in a solid Christian home and set an example for us. The love he has for my mother is evident along with the love he has for us. From stern discipline to saying "I'm proud of you", he has showed us what it means to be a loving father and husband. I cannot wait to start a family of my own and see if I can live up to that standard. I have learned so much from him. Thank you dad.

God Bless and Go Blue!
Tedd Sheets Jr.