I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. — 3 John 1:4
I am far from an expert on being a father. Before I was a father, I remember looking at those around me and not understanding all the things that they described. They described the joy their children brought into their lives. Many would describe the challenges, difficulties, and heartaches they experienced along the way. But I always remember how their faces would light up when they talked about something their child did that they were proud of.
I recall one of my close friends describing how excited he was when he watched one of his children get their first hit in a ball game. Many have posted their videos as they cheer on their child scoring baskets while playing basketball. There is nothing wrong with supporting a child in those things. A child needs a supportive father.
But the more experience that I have in this thing called fatherhood, there is one thing that makes my heart overflow with joy above anything else. I’m certainly proud of my son for all the things he excels at. But I’m most excited when I hear him learning to live his life for God.
There is something special about hearing a child learning to pray. It is special to hear them talk about how God helped them or how they are trusting Jesus for something. A father has a responsibility to teach and show a child this importance, and a father should live an example in front of them.
Above anything in this world, the greatest joy a father can know is that their child loves God and lives for Him. A father will never be perfect. There will always be mistakes. But amid the mistakes made, our prayer should be that God help us guide our children to love Him and serve Him.
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