A Father’s Influence

Fathers have a great responsibility in raising children; because the ways of the father will often times dictate the direction the children take.

This reality is seen time and again in the succession of the kings of Judah. Consider Abijam, son of Rehoboam, grandson of Solomon, and great grandson of King David.

After his father’s death, Abijam became king. But his testimony was no better than his father’s.

“And he walked in all the sins of his father, which he had done before him; his heart was not loyal to the Lord his God, as was the heart of his father David.” (1 Kings 15:3 NKJV)

Abijam’s heart was not perfect with the Lord his God; and while he may have wanted to do what is right, remembering the righteousness of his great grandfather, David, the pull of sin was too great, and so he continued living the same way as his father.

As we approach Father’s Day, it’s important that fathers follow God. How important is it? The fate of their children is at stake.

While Abijam ways were not pure before the Lord, David’s influence was still there, and God had mercy upon Abijam and the rest of King David’s line because of His covenant with David, and the fact that David was a man after God’s own heart, 1 Samuel 13:14; Acts 13:22.

“Nevertheless for David’s sake the Lord his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem, by setting up his son after him and by establishing Jerusalem.” (1 Kings 15:4 NKJV)

The lure the world has upon our children is great. While they’ may have grown up in the church and under godly care, they will one day venture out into the world. And while they will stumble and fall, our prayers and the teaching of God’s word will have its effect.

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” (Proverbs 22:6 NKJV)