Becoming a Praying FatherНамуна

Praying Fathers Model

Do as I say, not as I do.

You’d be hard-pressed to find another statement that brings more discouragement and confusion to your son than this one. Although this phrase rolls off the tongue and is easy to remember, it’s an unbiblical motto for pride and failure.

Imagine a son getting scolded for his vulgar language by a father using the exact same words during the scolding. How would a young boy feel while being reprimanded by dad for lying, when he learned how to lie from that same man? How confusing is it when the father who brags about padding his monthly expense reimbursement rebukes a teenage young man for cheating on a math test?

Edgar Guest writes, “I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day: I’d rather one would walk with me than merely tell the way.” Our actions speak louder than our words. Your sons learn more from you by observation than by lecture. They may misunderstand some of your advice, but they perfectly comprehend your actions.

In 1 Thessalonians 2:10-12, the Apostle Paul reminds us that fathers are to deal with their children by encouraging and comforting them. This is nothing new to us dads. But he goes on to say, “…urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into His Kingdom and glory.”

What’s the best way to help our sons live a worthy life? By showing the way in our own life and by modeling our actions after those of Jesus. So, Dad, are you showing your son the ways of God through your actions?

PRAY you’ll live a life that shows your son how to live worthy of God.

PRAY you and your son will help each other live lives that are more than words, lives filled with God-honoring actions.