UNCOMMEN: Dads 2Намуна

More Than New Shoes

1 Timothy 5:8 "But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever."

There is a lot that happens in the nine months leading up to the birth of a child, and not all of it happens to the mom. During that period, the dad (should be) praying about his role as a dad, husband, protector, provider, and a thousand other roles. The one that gave me some sleepless nights was the role of provider as that meant more than buying shoes. 

At first, you’re probably caught up in the thoughts of clothes, food, shelter, paying bills, insurance, medical, school, braces, car, college, wedding, etc. You can see why I said I had a few sleepless nights. But there is one thing on that list that is missing, and that is spiritual leader. 

While we have to provide for all those things listed above and more, not all dads take on the role of being a spiritual leader in their household. Your child needs more than humanism or culture and society to shape their morals and values. Those things change as often as the seasons and are entirely self-centered when it comes to right and wrong.

Being a Godly provider goes far beyond the right and wrongs of the world but instead focuses on being more Christlike. You can’t teach your children to be Godly if you are not Godly. You have to be studying scripture so you can share it with your children when needed. When that happens, then you can be the provider you were meant to be to your family.

That list also takes us for a fast walk from birth to adulthood only to show us that while our children may be adults, we can still be spiritual providers to them. We are called to seek Godly council throughout our lives. Proverbs 19:20 — "Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future."

Your children may need to seek Godly counsel from you. Be ready.

Uncommen Questions:

Do you pray about your role as a provider? 

What do you do to prepare for that role for a lifetime?

Uncommen Challenge:

I challenge you to seek Godly advice so you can give Godly advice to your children when needed. After all, being a provider is more than just buying new shoes.

Scripture Verse:
1 Timothy 5:8