Many years ago, several fathers

sat in the waiting room at a hospital anxiously anticipating the news

on the births of their babies. The nurse came out and said to one, "Sir,

I'm happy to report that you have twin daughters."

The man said, "that's

amazing. I work for Double Cola and I end up with twins!"

A few minutes later the nurse

came out again and spoke to another man. "Sir, congratulations! You

have triplets, three good looking boys." The dad replied, "why,

I can't believe it. I work for the 3M Company and my wife has triplets."

Upon hearing this, the other

dad-to-be passed out. When they brought him to, the nurse asked, "sir,

what's wrong?"

He pointed and said, "this

guy works for Double Cola and had twins. That guy works for 3M and had

triplets. Ma'am, I work for 7-Up, and I just got scared to death!"

The nurse replied, "well,

at least you don't work for Century 21!"

Being a father in our day is

overwhelming, but what a privilege and joy it is to be called, "dad."

Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a loving, caring,

involved, leading Dad. We salute our Dads today, especially those who

are influencing their children positively and are giving spiritual direction.

A father was asked who was

in charge at his house. He replied, "my wife bosses the kids, my

kids boss the dog and cat, and I can say anything I want to the potted

plants."

That's a father who knew his

place! In reality, a father's place should be out front leading his family

to know Christ and to grow spiritually. Contrary to the belief of some

in our society, the father is more than just a biological necessity. He

plays a vital role in shaping his children, in building their self-esteem,

and in setting a spiritual tone in the home.

Loving dads must lead. They

must be like Joshua, who told the Israelites in Joshua 24:15, "Choose

you this day whom you will serve . . . but as for me and my house, we

will serve the Lord." All too often, I hear the sad note when talking

with parents about their children's spirituality, "Well, I'm not

going to influence them. I'll just let them choose for themselves."

What a mistake! If we don't point the way, then our children may choose

the wrong way or never find the way! Fathers must lead!

We lead with influence. Orel

Herschiser of Los Angeles Dodgers fame was once asked by a reporter, "what

is the secret of your success?" He replied, "I give my credit

to my personal submission to Jesus Christ. Every time I assess my major

league career, I ask myself these questions: Am I still married? Are my

children happy? Do they know I love their mother? When I'm finished with

my baseball career, my most successful goal is not to make the Hall of

Fame, but to see my family a success as a result of my influence in their

lives.

We also lead with involvement.

Too many dads stay preoccupied with work, too involved with their own

interests and never really get interested in their children's lives. The

kids miss out. When baseball great Pete Rose was being investigated for

alleged gambling activities, authorities interviewed Rose's daughter.

The daughter said, "He's the worst father in the world. I will never

understand why he never had time for any of us. We didn't really expect

anything from him. We just wanted him to like us. Even if I wanted to

call my dad, I couldn't. He won't even give me his phone number. I have

to call his agent and wait for him to return the call."

Later, when informed of the

comments, Rose replied, "I don't know what she's complaining about.

I bought her a new Mercedes last week."

Rose didn't get it. Too many

fathers don't get it. Children don't want your gifts. They want you. Your

presence, interest, time, touch and blessing. Especially your blessing.

And, they want you to care

enough to lead them to heaven. We lead by example. Gospel musician Hilding

Halverson told of overhearing a conversation between his son and two other

little boys. The youngsters were bragging about their dads. One boy said

proudly, "My dad knows the mayor of our town!"

Another said, "So, my

dad know the governor of our state!" Halverson's son then came up

with this touching comment. "That's nothing. My dad knows God!"

Upon hearing this, Halverson

quickly slipped away to his room and with tears in his eyes said, "O

God, I pray that my son will always be able to say, 'My dad knows God.'"

He had been paid the supreme compliment.

"The righteous man leads

a blameless life; blessed are his children after him" (Proverbs 20:7).

[Dr. David L. Chancey is pastor,

McDonough Road Baptist Church, Fayetteville. The church family meets at

352 McDonough Road, just past the soccer fields and McCurry Park. Join

them Sunday for Bible study at 9:45 a.m. and worship at 10:55 a.m.]

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