Our Father Who Art in Heaven

Our Father Who Art In Heaven

by Carri P

As we approach Father’s Day, we celebrate the men in our lives.  I am so grateful for the father God gave me.  I also share in the grief and hurt contained in those suffering the absence of a father.  However, we can rejoice that as Christians we share a common heavenly Father.  The Bible tells us, “I will be a Father to you, and you will be sons and daughters to Me, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18 HCSB  This verse is comforting and yet confusing for our children.  How can they have an earthly father and a Heavenly Father?

A point of great comfort is that although our earthly fathers may be full of flaws, (and mothers are too) our heavenly Father is perfect.  Our earthly fathers may be absent or disappointing, but our heavenly father is present and faithful.

It is our responsibility to introduce our children to their heavenly Father.  We have the lovely position of rearing our children and setting boundaries for them.  This can be quite frustrating at times and can put us in a position of “the bad guy,” however, if our children fail to respect and obey their parents, who they can see, how will they ever respect and obey their Heavenly Father that they cannot see.

The Bible tells us, “There will be a blessing if you obey the commands of the LORD your God I am giving you today and a curse, if you do not obey…” Deuteronomy 11:27-28 HCSB  This is valuable information we must pass on to our children.  They must know, “those who love Me . . . keep My commandments.” Exodus 20:6 HCSB

It is in the moments the Holy Spirit is present in our parenting that we feel the true joy of being a parent.  Looking into our child’s eyes and seeing the connection to God, the Father, perhaps after a teachable moment.  It is one step closer to leading them towards their own personal relationship with God, their Father.

It is easy to lose faith with the troubles of each new day, however, “. . . without faith it is impossible to please God, for the one who draws near to Him must believe that He exists and rewards those who seek Him.”  Hebrews 11:6 HCSB  It comes down to faith.  We must have it as parents and we must model and teach it to our children.  They will never know what faith is without seeing us live it out each day.

Challenge:  This Father’s Day set aside special time to introduce or remind your children of their Heavenly Father, His love for them, and the special blessing of obeying His commands.