MamaArcher's Blog

The Importance of Fathers

Father Walking with Child in the Park

What we want to do with our children, is not merely to control them and keep them in order—but to implant true principles deep in their hearts which shall rule their whole lives; to shape their character from within into Christ-like beauty, and to make of them noble men and women, strong for battle of life. They are to be trained rather than governed. Growth of character, not merely good behavior—is the object of all home governing and teaching. Therefore the home influence is far more important than the home laws; and the parents’ lives are of more significance than their teachings. Whatever may be done in the way of governing, teaching or training—theories are not half as important as the parents’ lives. They may teach the most beautiful things–but if the child does not see these things modeled in the life of the parent, he will not consider them important enough to be adopted in his own life.

J. R. Miller’s classic book, Home-Making, originally published in 188

Friends—fathers, we must forsake the pharisaical desire for trophy children, children who obey so that we can look spiritually successful. We must, by God’s grace, seek to be spiritually successful – not so we can look good, but so that we can teach our children the way of wisdom – by being an example that authenticates our rule. And when they fail, and they will, we should show them that their sin can only be overcome by the power of the Cross. Use every failure—every sinful action, not as a time of discipline or anger, but a time of discipleship! These are God-ordained opportunities to share the richness of the grace of God in Christ.

If we not only teach Christ, but live Christ, we will not be concerned about having “trophy children;” we will see the promises of God manifested in the hearts of our children, for generations.

excerpt from Trophy Children: A Father’s Day Challenge from Family Reformation