All of us are builders in some form or another. Most of us don’t work with lumber or steel but we do live and work and interact with people. The greatest building we’re ever going to be a part of is in regard to people. Fathers, whether you realize it or not, you’re the general contractor of your home and you’re in the building business when it comes to your children. You’re influencing them every day of their lives and hopefully that influence is for God and His kingdom.

Scriptures
Genesis 18:18-19; Deuteronomy 6:1-2, 4-7; Joshua 24:14-15; Judges 2:6-13; Ephesians 6:1-3

Verses
Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshipped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. Joshua 24:14-15 NIV

Thought
Regardless of what others decided, Joshua made a commitment to serve God and he was willing to use his power of influence to see others make that same decision. Fathers must never forget that the way they use their God given influence in their homes will help foster their children’s commitment to serve God. It’s a critical time for fathers because a battle is going on all over America in Christian homes. The battle is over the spiritual lives of children. Whether they like it or not, fathers are on the front lines and God is asking them to step up and enlist in the fight to save their children’s spiritual lives.

Questions
How do you structure your family life so that God comes in first in your priorities? How are you teaching your children spiritual values at home? Is quality time with your children more important than quantity time with them?

Response
Give thanks to God for choosing you to be the father of your children. As a father, make a decision to be better in three areas: the allocation of your time, the conversations with your children and your godly example to them.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help us to be the godly parents you want us to be for our children. Use our God given influence in order that they may become followers of Christ and someday live eternally with you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.