Radical Wisdom: A 7-Day Journey For FathersSample

Sheep Without a Shepherd

Kids are like sheep. They’re on their way to independence, but for now, they’re powered by their youth and energy—and endangered by their lack of experience.

Like sheep, they need a shepherd . . . someone to watch over them. They need a dad. A real father. Sadly, I know many kids who are growing up without a shepherd.

Hopefully you’re one of the dads who take their shepherding job seriously. What does a shepherding father do? 

1. Tends - Just as shepherds know where their sheep are, fathers know where their kids are . . . physically, relationally, and spiritually. 
2. Herds - Shepherds keep their flocks together. Dads have the same responsibility, and that starts with staying with his wife. You can’t keep your little sheep together if you let the two big sheep drift apart.
3. Feeds - Shepherds are the prime providers for their sheep. Dads need to do this for their children. There should never be a deadbeat dad . . . especially not a Christian one. In addition to providing for their physical needs, Dads must provide unlimited, unconditional love for their kids, as well as providing their spiritual food.
4. Guards - Shepherds do whatever it takes to drive away anyone or anything that will hurt their sheep or lead them astray. Dads guard their kids from external threats and avoid hurting them through anger, thoughtlessness, or neglect. 

Most dads would leave the herd of ninety-nine to go find their one lost sheep. Will you also tend, herd, feed, and guard them?

Question: Do you pay close enough attention to know when one of your sheep is drifting away?