“And the king was deeply moved and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he went, he said, ‘O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! Would I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!’”
—2 Samuel 18:33
David was described in the Bible as a man after God’s own heart. He was a success in many ways. From being a rural shepherd to being a champion and then a king. All of us love to think about his great triumphs and his great victories.
David was also a man who failed greatly. Though he succeeded in many areas I think we would have to admit that David was a colossal failure as a father.
Tragically this story is being repeated again and again today. I know many fractured fathers who are failing in the most important assignment in life and that is being a dad to their children. Men who are successful in their careers, men who are prestigious in their communities and leaders in their churches, and yet failures at home.
May I remind all of us who are Dads that our greatest responsibility is not at the office? Our greatest responsibility is in our home. To know our children, to love our children, to serve our children, and to lead our children and our families.
Your assignment is to lead your children to Christ, to teach them of the faith. Teaching your child is your responsibility. Take that responsibility seriously to present God to your children.
YOU CAN GROW IN YOUR FAITH, AND YOU CAN GROW IN YOUR COMMITMENT AS A PARENT.
