Happy Father’s Day! During a time in our culture when it is not uncommon to hear about fathers who’ve checked out (or maybe who’ve never even checked it to begin with), it is refreshing to hear about and see dads who are attempting to plug in and engage their kids not just in the activities of our society but more importantly in a serious spiritual walk with God.

Dads, I want to encourage and admonish you that it is primarily your responsibility to disciple your own children. It is a high calling to shepherd a child’s heart, and that is exactly what God has called us dads to.

Don’t wait – do it now. If you are the father of young children start shepherding today. You shepherd by protecting, guiding, warning and loving the kids God has richly blessed you with. I encourage and warn you, don’t be a dad who delegates this God-given privilege to others. We will be held responsible for how we raised our kids, nobody else.

It’s never too late to begin. What if you find yourself with teens or older children? You can still have an impact in their lives. You may have to get creative but it can still be done. How? Establish a family devotional time each day. If your kids are out of the house when they come to visit they will see that you are serious about your devotion to Christ. Other ways you can help steer their hearts in the right direction is to text, email, facebook, call or write them. Any small gesture of discipling will have a profound impact in the years to come.

Don’t see this as a burdensome task; see discipling your kids as a joyful quest. We only have one shot so let’s make it the best shot we can. With all your might fervently pray and with all your love shepherd wisely. Make your home a joyful place where your kids will want to be. Make them long to gather around the dinner table even after they leave.

My prayer for us dads is that our kids would outstrip us in following Jesus!

Grace & Peace,