Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. —Matthew 16:24-25
Two thousand years ago, Jesus Christ came to earth in the flesh and commanded us to follow Him-and to this day no one has ever followed Christ down a road to prostitution, crime, addiction, or suicide.
Fathers, as the most influential leader your son or daughter will ever have, determine to lead them in the path they should go (Proverbs 22:6). Teach your children to live as Jesus lived, in loving service to others, and they will grow to be mature, responsible members of society.
Children will instinctively follow the leader, so if you are following Christ yourself, your children will follow your lead. Your personal example is the greatest teaching tool you possess. Teach them to follow the Leader of the heavenly hosts—the one who holds the keys to death, hell, and the grave.
Lord Jesus, make my life an example to my family
and children of Your love and service. May
all those in my family see You
shining through me. Amen.