The Great Influence of a Father

A father is without question the single most significant influence on the spiritual life of his children.  The statistical data from three major studies in recent years is overwhelming.  If the father is involved in a church and is growing spiritually, the likelihood of the child doing the same skyrockets.  If Mom goes to church alone with the kids, the chances plummet.

Numbers don’t lie:  If a child is the first person in a household to become a Christian, there is a 3.5 percent probability everyone else in the household will follow.  If the mother is the first to become a Christian, there is a 17 percent probability everyone else in the household will follow.  But if the father is first, there is a 93 percent probability everyone else in the household will follow.

Is that astounding?  Does it put a lump in your throat to realize how important you are in the process?

Men, your kids’ pathway to God runs straight through you.  If you roll your eyes when prayer is mentioned, so will your children.  If you close your eyes and speak of how dependent you are on God for His power and grace, your kids will be more apt to include prayer in their lives.

Read God’s Word regularly.  Share with your kids what God is teaching you.  Be involved in a church.  Be your wife’s biggest encourager.  Talk to God and ask for His wisdom in parenting.

Dads, be encouraged.  You can do this.  You really can… just not on your own.  Invite the Lord and your wife into the equation.  From this point forward, things can be different.  Things can be better.

Slow down.  Step up.  When you look back years from now, both you and your family will be glad you did.