Father's Day - Shaping the Next Generation
Men, today I want to encourage you, (and me), to break out of “Good Intention Syndrome” to action.
2 Corinthians 8 & 9
As Christian men, a great gift we can give is to share the Father’s love by investing as father figures into the next generation.
Sometimes I suffer from “Good Intention Syndrome”- where I know something is a good idea, but I just don’t follow through. That might be because of busyness, priorities, and energy. Maybe even to look good in front of others, but not living up to the outcome.
Men, today I want to encourage you, (and me), to break out of “Good Intention Syndrome” to action. Last Sunday was Father’s Day, celebrated around the world in recognition of the valuable role of fatherhood. I believe God is calling all men to be father figures in someone’s life. As Christian men, a great gift we can give is to share the Father’s love by investing as father figures into the next generation.
Paul’s words to the Corinthian church were not to be just well intentioned about their generosity, but to “finish the work, so that your eager willingness to do it will be matched by your completion of it, according to your means.” (2 Cor 8:11)
I have been blessed over decades of life by not only my father who loved me, but the many Christian men who invested into me. They helped shape my character, my giftings, my skills and knowledge, my courage and faith to follow Jesus.
Father’s Day is a day to honour all the men of our church family. You are my brothers. And I ask you this question, “Who are you investing into, to see the next generation know and follow Jesus?” Paul commended the Corinthians on their generosity of giving. Will you give yourself, your time, prayers and resources so that God’s name might be glorified? Listen to Paul’s words:
“Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for this obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else” (2 Cor 9:13)
Let us take steps not just on Father’s Day, but everyday, to pray, seek and intentionally shape another person’s life with the Father’s love that has shaped ours.
God bless.
Pastor Stephen