Intentional Father by Jon TysonSample

Jon Tyson: Intentional Father Devotional Day 2

“The Goal”

Scripture reading: Romans 8:29; 2 Corinthians 3:18

If you want to help your son become a man, it seems rather important to have at least a passing understanding of the place you’re trying to take him. So, what is the definition of a man?

Here’s my take: a man is an image-bearer and son of God entrusted with power and the responsibility to create, cultivate, care, and defend, for God’s glory and the good of others.

As we use this definition of manhood and masculinity—how a man relates to God and who he is in the world—we should be aware of two guardrails: submission and servanthood.

Adam, the first man, failed in his responsibilities with God and others because of two things. The first was rebellion and the second was laziness. He wanted to go his own way, and when that didn’t work out, he refused to accept responsibility (Genesis 2—3).

I want to see godly men operating with authority and responsibility, living for the glory of God and the good of others and submitting to God and serving others. If we can keep those things in mind, they will provide a framework for moving forward as an intentional father.

You see, ultimately, my conviction as a follower of Jesus is that we are called to help our sons become like Jesus. My vision is not to produce men who conform to a list of traits that cause the world to say, “Now that’s a man!” My goal is to help our sons become like Jesus. 

Why? Because Jesus was the best man who ever lived. Look at his life, his cause, his compassion, his courage, his love for other people, his walk with his heavenly Father, his willingness to confront hypocrisy, his personal integrity.

When you look at the life of Jesus, you can say that he got it right in every single situation he was in. That’s what the vision of being an intentional father is—to help our sons become like Jesus.

The apostle Paul dared to say, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). How can you become a better follower of Christ yourself so that your son has a better model to imitate?