CHILDREN, FATHERS, & YOUTH
Terry R. Baughman

“I write to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning.… I have written to you, fathers, Because you have known Him who is from the beginning…” (1 John 2:13–14).

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As one generation passes off the scene, another rises up to take their place. Children grow to maturity. Young couples become families and middle aged parents become elders. With the passing of the oldest members of the family the next generation is forced to step into the forefront of seniority.

The cycle of life has had God’s promise of continuance ever since the destruction of the antediluvian world, “While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, winter and summer, and day and night shall not cease” (Genesis 8:22). God set a rainbow in the clouds as a reminder of His promise and said, “This is the sign of the covenant which I make between Me and you, and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations” (Genesis 9:12).

God’s plan and promises never cease. He is the one eternal God and His bond is His word. He does not depend on the frailty of humanity to guarantee His covenant or to uphold His commitments. The writer of the Book of Hebrews stated, “For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself” (Hebrews 6:13).

Our assurance of God’s perpetual promises is based on the immutability of His character and the consistent evidence of His eternal existence. There is steadfast confidence in our elders as they rely on their knowledge of the One “who is from the beginning.” Those who know God recognize their dependence on Him. He is the only One “from the beginning,”the sole guarantor of His everlasting word.

Fathers who seek God will find Him to be a source of strength as they provide leadership for their families. As much as fathers wish to be trustworthy, dependable, and honest in their leadership, they will sometimes fall short of their aspirations. Fathers who learn to lean on God will find they will be more consistent as they understand the true source of faithfulness is their trust in God, the One who is greater, stronger, older, and wiser than us all.

Fathers who respect God will earn respect of those they lead. Authority comes to those who learn submission. Submission produces humility. As we begin to humbly submit to our authorities others will find they are able to trust us with their submission. Paul pointed to the submission of Christ as our example, “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us”(Ephesians 5:1–2). He continued with instructions to the family order, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother,’ which is the first commandment with promise: ‘that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.’ And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:1–4).

Fathers who love God are worthy of special honor today and always.
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Scripture:
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12).

CHILDREN, FATHERS, & YOUTH
Terry R. Baughman
“I write to you, little children, Because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake. … I write to you, little children, Because you have known the Father” (1 John 2:12–13).

John was the elder statesman, the patriarch of the Apostles and the only surviving member of the original Twelve. He wrote as a father to his children. It was an endearing and instructive letter meant to be shared with the believers of many congregations. He wrote of the light that had come into the world, of the love of God, and redemption from sin. Some passages sound like a reflection on his earlier Gospel and emphasize the purpose of Christ’s message, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

John wrote to the children of God who had come to know the Father and had been forgiven of sins. John warned them to refrain from sin, “My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin.” Then he offered a remedy for sin, “And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1).

Fathers are vital in the spiritual growth and development of believers. There is God-ordained authority vested in Fathers. Society and culture have attempted to minimize the role of fathers and blurred the lines of distinction between the sexes. In an effort to bring equality the unfortunate result has been the devaluation of men and the deterioration of the family unit. Coming back to biblical patterns and the teaching of spiritual principles will enhance the family structure and restore the divine order in our families.

Fathers must be respected in the family structure and they must take responsibility for the leadership of their homes and children. Paul also wrote as a father to the Corinthian believers saying, “I do not write these things to shame you, but as my beloved children I warn you.” Paul was concerned that, “You do not have many fathers” (1 Corinthians 4:14–15). The role of the father must be restored to bring harmony to the family unit.

In our culture there are many broken homes, divorces, and blended families. There is no easy fix and it will always be less than perfect. However, fathers can begin by taking responsibility for their children, seeking to spend time with them and giving them the attention they crave. If a father finds himself in the position of leading other children (rather than his own) he can still be a positive leadership mentor in their lives. Mothers should attempt to bring the father (or a father figure) into the circle of influence for their children. Children should be taught to respect their fathers and honor those in leadership over them. From the most basic pattern of leadership and respect that is fostered in the home, a child will grow to understand the love of the Heavenly Father and the value of obedience to Him.

The Gospel message begins at home and the knowledge of God is seen through the family. Let the love of God be experienced as we love our children, our families, and others.
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Scripture:
“My little children, … if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1).