In Touch - June 8, 2006

Thursday June 8, 2006

Modeling A Fisherman’s Faith

Matthew 4:21-22

 

Matthew’s gospel would not have mentioned James and John’s father so often if he were not a significant influence. Consider how Zebedee’s vocation allowed him to model fatherly attributes — and how modern dads might follow his example.

 

A fisherman must be courageous. The Sea of Galilee is a dangerous body of water, where squalls build quickly and rage terribly. Life can be like that, too — one moment calm and then churning with a painful storm. Backing off when a situation becomes uncomfortable or giving up when we do not like how events are progressing teaches our kids to be quitters. But dads who put their trust in the Lord can face tough times with courage.

 

A fisherman must be decisive. Good timing is important in fishing and essential in life. Fathers are wise to model prayerfulness and thoughtful planning, but kids must also see us follow through and make a decision. One issue over which we should never hesitate is whether or not to obey God. If we are telling our children that the Lord is good and trustworthy, we ought to be backing up our words with decisive obedience.

 

A fisherman must be patient. No schedule exists for when fish will give themselves up to a hook or net. In our rushed, instant-everything world, we forget the importance of patience. But we cannot predict God’s schedule, either, and parents are wise to show their sons and daughters how to wait upon Him.

 

Godly children follow the example of a godly father. What are you modeling for your family?

Celebrate Fathers this month. Discover what our heavenly Father expects of dads and how He equips them to raise godly sons and daughters in Dr. Stanley’s series “How-To’s for Fathers.”

Breaking News: How to Handle Your Emotions is the latest elective now online at the Charles Stanley Institute of Christian Living! This expansive course focuses on Dr. Stanley's powerful 12-sermon series by the same name. In this course, students not only learn the basics of a healthy, biblical, and positive love for themselves, but they will also target some of the most potentially explosive emotions, including self-image, anxiety, loneliness, guilt, anger, depression, and rejection. Included in this for-pay elective course is a hand-signed copy of Dr. Stanley's book, Finding Peace, which brings further emphasis to the areas of regret, anxiety, and fear.