For Future Generations

This is the position of Scripture when it says:

“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are his reward.” Psalm 127:3 (TLB)

Unlike the days of Abraham when fathers were encouraged to apply divine instructions in raising children, today’s father is under obligation and subject to laws enacted by governments of the day. Here in the US, parents tread carefully and in fear sometimes when dealing with correction and discipline of children. Lawmakers in their effort to address abusive parenting, have greatly limited the tools and incentive parents need to do very the important work of discipline in our children’s lives. We are the generation that embraces rules and laws that penalizes offenders with severe penalties including death and yet are less enthusiastic about strengthening and supporting parents to instil deterrence in children at an early age. We have done very well in other forms of discipline and failed miserable on some.

Scolding and spanking a child helps him to learn. Left to himself, he brings shame to his mother.

Proverbs 29:15 (TLB)

As a father, the testimony of his character was this …‘ For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment; that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him. Genesis 18:19 (KJV)

When we look back at our own lives and that of others, who denies the impact of a firm, loving and disciplined father ? 

From My Father to You

Father & Son

Couple of weeks ago I watched as one of our sons began his first week on a job at a construction site. He

wanted to accomplish some financial goals during this summer break so with the help of some friends in the profession, he was assigned a job with utility crew.

He looked out of place the first day. Every now and then he will pulled up his protective clothing as they kept falling off his skinny frame.  He appeared to be unsure of himself. As I watched my heart ached for him. I thought to myself whether this was the right thing to do.

It’s been three weeks now.  His foreman says, “ I like the kid and his attitude at work”. My son tells me he loves the job --   now whether its because of the size of his check or the new comradery he has built with members of his crew is not certain.

But as I pondered on what to share this Father’s Day, my thoughts went back some 40 years when my father took me with him to the construction site; where he worked as a site superintendent. He handed me over to the carpenter foreman the first year. For the second & third year,  I was with the  brick masons and plumbers.  The difference though was that most of my checks including the first one went to my mother.

Today, our son is the recipient of a legacy. A legacy which began with my father to me . If and when he passes down the same to his children we will have a tradition in our family of raising young men who possess the qualities of hard work, responsibility and accountability.

My father wasn’t a saint. By that I mean he didn’t do well in many things as other fathers did for their children. I do not recall ever playing ball with my father nor camping with him. What I will never forget is that my father modeled to me the value of work. He guided and placed me in the right environment where men prided themselves in the fact that each day, rain or shine they showed up to earn a living for their family.

Whether there’s a father present or not; a child may learn something of value from an uncle, teacher, mentor or another person of influence. Even if that experience is just a brief moment.

Your lesson may not be the same as mine. But you can take away an understanding of self respect, discipline and the importance of surrounding yourself with positive people. Be determined to pass on a legacy for your family and loved ones. 

All hard work brings a profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty - Proverbs 14:23


Happy Father's Day