A Father's Day Message

Faithful Fathers Make Loyal Leaders

“Now the days of David drew nigh that he should die; and he charged Solomon his

son, saying, I go the way of all the earth: be thou strong therefore, and show thyself

statutes, and his commandments, and his judgments, and his testimonies, as it is

written in the law of Moses, that thou may prosper in all that thou doest.…”

No spiritual study of leadership would be complete without examining the role that faithful

fathers play in the lives of their children. Faithful fathers and mothers make loyal leaders. God

entrusts His most precious gifts to the care of fathers and mothers. Fulfilling your role as a parent

is answering the call to a leadership journey of faith. Today’s Scripture shows King David charging

his son Solomon with the fatherly wisdom of the faith. As his life was coming to a close,

David knew that his role as a father would not be successful unless he commanded his son to

walk in the ways of God and keep His commandments.

Scripture is full of faithful fathers who obeyed the call of God by becoming great fathers.

Noah protected his family in the ark. At an old age, Abraham obediently became the father of

many nations. David battled through his adultery to raise a wise son named Solomon. The father

of the prodigal son set for us an example of love and forgiveness as he forgave the sins of a

rebellious son and welcomed him back into his home. Joseph, the earthly father of our Christ,

obeyed the instructions of the angel, married the Virgin Mary, and protected the Messiah in His

early years. From kings to carpenters, all were faithful fathers who became great leaders of our

faith.

All leaders of faith must recommit themselves daily to becoming better fathers. At all ages,

fathers should love and nurture their families. Fathers should be prayer warriors for their sons

and daughters and extended families. Fathers should quietly set examples of faith and ethics

through their own wholesome lifestyles. Fathers should set aside their most valuable asset, time,

and freely shower it upon those they love. When children love and respect their fathers, others

will notice. Those whom we are called to lead in our congregations and organizations will note

that we are revered by our own children and will want to follow us all the more.

To those of us who are not fathers, we can become fathers to the orphaned, the lonely, and

the forgotten. We can become advocates and mentors to the underdogs among us. Find a fatherly

role to play and give of your heart and time to serve the needs of children everywhere. Like

King David, let us exhort those in our care to follow the Lord God with all their hearts. Let us all

be the faithful fathers and loyal leaders for the Kingdom of God.