But the beat goes on. If your minister is one of the many who refuses to fill in the picture on Father’s Day, do it yourself. Keep a journal of the wise and tough teachings of Jesus. Study Proverbs each day. Graft into your personality the kind of wisdom that brings clarity and blessings to you and others as it helps you conform to the image of the real Christ. But be warned: you will become a prophetic agent of change. And change has its enemies.

So heed the words of George Barna, which have brought me great comfort lately. He writes in his powerful book Revolution: “Know this: just as the prophets of old were unwelcome in their own hometown, so are Revolutionaries looked at askance by even their closest friends and family members. The skepticism of those who lead conventional spiritual lives is a palpable reminder that growth always comes with a price tag…The mere presence of Revolutionaries makes the typical American citizen — yes, even the typical churchgoer — uncomfortable.” People, like Jesus, who “ignite fierce resistance merely by being present and holy.”

Paul Coughlin is the author of No More Christian Nice Guy and its companion Study Guide. He and his wife Sandy are the authors of  Married But Not Engaged: Why Men Check Out and What You Can Do to Create The Intimacy You Desire, due out in August from Bethany House. Visit him online at www.christianniceguy.com