Understand the Assignment

If a father, a loving father to my children. 

I will love and lead them as Christ loves the Church.

Via The Joshua Commission

“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” ‭‭Ephesians‬ ‭6‬:‭4‬ 

“And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” ‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭6‬:‭6‬-‭7‬

If a Father…for those of you who have biological or adopted children, do you understand the depth of the assignment you have been given by God?  While provision and corrective discipline are important roles for you it seems pretty obvious that God's has a higher priority than that.  While being the Warrior, Lover and King must be part of your role as Dad, God seems to focus on your role as Teacher.  No one has greater responsibility to train children than their fathers.

The word discipline is used quite a few times in the English translation of the New Testament.  Our tendency is to think of it as punishment to correct behavior.  The Greek word that gets translated as discipline really means training or instruction.  This is your job men.  Don’t pass this responsibility to others. Rather, get your relationship to our Father God on track and be intentional about sharing it with your kids.  You don’t have to be perfect, just authentic.  

If you are not a father yet, or by circumstance, you still have a big part in this assignment. We are also called to be spiritual fathers. There are so many children and men (and women) who did not have the benefit of earthly fathers who trained them. You have the opportunity to train those people up in their walk with God. Be a spiritual father.

THE KINGDOM MAN’S CREED

I am a Kingdom Man. I am created by God to bear His image. I am a son and viceroy for my Fathers work. I am a warrior, lover, teacher and king.

I am a Kingdom Man. Like Joshua, I will be strong and courageous. I will train my mind and body for the battles to come. I will discipline my heart, eyes and tongue to be steadfast and faithful to the calling on my life.

I am a Kingdom Man. If a husband, I love and serve my wife, if a father, a loving father to my children. I will love and lead them as Christ loves the Church. If a brother, uncle, guardian, mentor or friend, I will give honor in all of my relationships. I will lead, teach, correct and train in the spirit of righteousness.

I am a Kingdom Man. I am called to break down barriers and free others from strongholds. I am a Peace Maker. My armor is Truth, Righteousness, Grace and Humility. I will stand in the gap for my neighbor to defend gospel justice for the marginalized. 

I am a Kingdom Man. God is my provider. He has given me gifts and talents to exemplify Him with the work of my hands. I will work with diligence and excellence. My labor will be honest and its fruits purposeful.

I am a Kingdom Man with a Kingdom vision. Commissioned by Christ. My life is the Father’s. I am intentional. I will grow in my faith, be consistent in my actions and leave a legacy worthy of the race I have run.

I AM a Kingdom Man!