Category: fatherhood

Purchase Not the House of Horrors

Sunday, April 28, 2013

“Whoso rewardeth evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house” (Proverbs 17:13 KJV).

Reward evil for good, and evil shall “reward” thee….

One of the most valuable lessons history teaches us is man’s allowing evil to remain unpunished—nay, rewarded as though it were good—only exacerbates his troubles and frustration. Indeed, the whole world, every nation, every local church, and every household should memorize today’s Scripture.

Political and religious corruption is, at its root, the failure to deal with that sinfulness immediately, completely, or at all. If there are no negative consequences when evil is committed—yea, when evildoers are treated as innocent individuals, and rewarded with praise and other benefits—it is no surprise that additional wickedness will result (today’s Scripture).

For instance, when the Church the Body of Christ fails to scripturally and adequately address corruption within its own local churches and regarding its own leaders, then the lost world will use that as ammunition against Jesus Christ. Hence, Paul’s warning, “Against an elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses. Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear” (1 Timothy 5:19,20). This is meant to safeguard against the local church becoming the “house of horrors” of today’s Scripture.

Another example is the absence of godly parenting. Unless the child is disciplined and receives punishment, he will have no respect for the authority of his parents (let alone for God’s authority): “Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him” (Proverbs 22:15). Parents who allow their children to do whatever they want, who do not correct their children when they do wrong, will dwell within the abode of today’s Scripture.

A third example is political corruption: “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). If a government is filled with crooks and liars, how can it expect its population not to be the “house of horrors” of today’s Scripture?

Heed today’s Scripture. Punish sin quickly, lest thou purchase the “house of horrors,” the abode that sinful man knoweth all too well.

Father: A Godly Man

Sunday, June 17, 2012

“And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4 KJV).

Since today is Father’s Day, we dedicate today’s devotional to the godly (Christian) fathers.

What is a godly father? Oftentimes, fathers are either too authoritative (very strict) or too carefree (little to no concern for their children). According to the Bible (today’s Scripture in particular), fathers must have a balance between setting boundaries and enforcing them, and refraining from being a heartless tyrant.

  • On one hand, the Christian father is to “bring [his children] up in the nurture of the Lord.” “Nurture” is simply defined as “caring for and encouraging their growth or development.” All too often, fathers (sadly) ignore this, usually being too rough, or even, apathetic (unconcerned).
  • On the other hand, the Christian father is to “bring [his children] up in the admonition of the Lord.” “Admonition” is simply defined as “authoritative counsel or warning.” He is to lovingly guide them in life, instructing them from God’s Word rightly divided.

A father is not simply one who procreates. God’s Word makes it very clear that they should serve a lifelong, active role in their children’s lives. A Christian man, especially a father, should be a godly man in beliefs as well as in deed. He needs to set an example for his children (especially his sons): it is his duty as an older Christian man to set an example for younger men.

He should be a hard worker, he should meditate on the things of God (the Bible), his speech should conform to sound Bible doctrine, he should be hospitable and caring, kind and loving, he should respect and love his wife, he should love his children, and he should be reserved and cautious in his actions.

Are you a Christian man or Christian father who desires to be the man God intends you to be in Christ Jesus? Place your faith in this sound Bible doctrine, and God will take care of the rest! Then, you will become the godly man described on the pages of Scripture.

*Adapted from a larger Bible study with the same name. The Bible study can be read here or watched here.