A Gift to Give my Good Father

We just celebrated Father’s Day. It occurred to me that I usually neglect the most important Father of all, my Heavenly Father, on this momentous day. Sadly, I had never considered celebrating Him on this day. Yes, I do let my wonderful husband know how much I appreciate the excellent job he does parenting our children and do send words of encouragement and appreciation to my earthly Father. Yes, I admit it, I have bought a tie or two as a Father’s Day gift. But, I do not specifically esteem, honor, and appreciate my Heavenly Father. I want to change that.

The song, “Good Good Father,” by Chris Tomlin beautifully articulates for us why God, our Father, is perfect in all of His ways and the Father that ensures we are never alone. Scripture refers to God as our “Abba Father” in March 14:36, Romans 8:15, and Galatians 4:6. This term “Abba’ is an Aramiac word the means Father but signified a close, intimate relationship of a father and child that would have included a childlike trust. Our English translation would be “daddy.” Do you ever think of the intimacy of how your Heavenly Father loves you and cares for you? What a privilege this is that God would grant us permission to refer to Him as “Daddy!” We are given the right to become children of God ( John 1:12 and 1 John 3:1). We become part of God’s family when we place our hope in Christ as our Savior and Redeemer. We become adopted children of God. As an adoptive mother, I know that my love for my adopted child is no different than my love for my biological child. I love them both equally and there is nothing I would not do for either of my children. Imagine - God loves me like that!

So, even though Father’s Day has officially passed, I desire to give my good Father a gift this year. I believe the most significant gift that I can give my Father is to share the greatest news I have ever been told - the good news of how others can also be included in God’s family by placing their faith in Him. Sure, this includes sharing the Gospel with those I come in contact with throughout my day - my hairdresser, my neighbor, other military spouses, but I believe my kids need to hear the Gospel also. I also firmly believe that I need to share the Gospel with my kids regularly - every day. I can talk about the good news of Jesus when they disobey. I explain that their disobedience is sin and that we can’t stop sinning. The penalty for that sin is eternal separation from God in hell (Romans 6:23) but the FREE gift of God is eternal life in Christ. Talk about it when they tell a lie. Talk about it when you lose your temper with them. Apologize and explain that you too are not perfect and need Jesus - for salvation and for everyday - to help you be a better mommy. Teach them in the context of the moment. Read the Bible with them often. As a mother, I believe my most important calling is mothering and entrusting my kids with the gift of eternal life. Because of the amazing gift of eternal gift that has been offered to me by Jesus, I can never give God back enough to express my appreciation. However, I can share HIs good news by intentionally weaving the Gospel into everyday conversations with my children. I also believe this gift I give my Good Father includes spending special occasions and holidays focusing on the Lord and His goodness to us. For ideas on how to have Christ-centered holidays, please see other portions of my blog which provide practical suggestions for focusing your family on Christ.

Happy Father’s Day, to my Heavenly Daddy!