Title: Be a good Father.

‭Proverbs 23:24 KJV‬

 The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice: And he that begetteth a wise child shall have joy of him.

Devotion: Today is Father's Day, we all expect to be congratulated, to receive gifts, hugs and kissing from our children and spouses. But it is important to reflect on two things: 1) which father am I?  2) How do I raise godly children that will give me joy. 

 To answer the first question we need to re-examine our lives and if we have not given our lives to Christ we must do it fast. Only living in Christ can make us a good father, a good example to our children. Only living in Christ can make our lives worthy of emulation by our children. Let's know that children always copy what the parents do, if you smoke they are likely to smoke, an alcoholic father will likely bring up alcoholic children ditto an adulterer will bring up a fornicator and a wife beater will bring up a monster. But if we are godly we will live a live of love, humility, kindness and we will show mercy and our children will emulate us. 

 To answer the second question is to proceed from being a good example to being a good teacher of the word of God to our children. This is why we need an alter to study and carry out daily devotion with the members of our family. We must start this from very early in the marriage and involve the children as soon as they can speak or understand. Tell them Bible stories, give toys that teach the word of God and join a Christian community in our neighbourhood. We must not leave the children at home while we attend church services, they must attend with us.

 Lastly we need to pray for them constantly and also teach them to pray. We need to ask God for wisdom on their behalf (James 1:5). 

 We cannot solely raise godly children, ask God this morning to assist you raise good and godly children that will bring you joy. May God assist you and me in Jesus' name. Amen. 

  Please share you testimonies with us here and feel free to share this devotional with others. Your suggestions are cherished and please don't forget to ask questions, seek clarification on any of the topics we have discussed. You can reach me at gbemide09@gmail.com. Happy Father's Day.

© Dr Joel Olanrewaju.