What is a primary reason that don’t men succeed? They don’t have models that work!

If I wanted to excel at hitting a baseball, then I would carefully model the form and style of Ted Williams or Joe DiMaggio.
If I wanted to excel in preaching God’s Word, then I would carefully model the practices of Haddon Robinson or Joseph Garlington.
If I wanted to excel in business, then I would carefully model the patterns and plans of Bill Gates or Sam Walton.
If I wanted to excel in fathering, where do I turn? Over 50% of men grade their own father as below average. A majority of men have had no formal training in fathering. Where would you point me to develop as a father?? Who is the most outstanding father in history? Who would be my model?

I believe scripture answers this question and gives insight into what an outstanding father looks like through the model of God the Father. Specifically, scripture give us a clear model of God the Father  affirming God the Son. You can find this affirmation in Matthew 3:17, Mark 1:11 and Luke 3:22. God the Father publicly says, “This is my Son, whom I love, with Him I am well pleased.”(NIV).

Let’s break down this simple affirmation.

1. This is my Son.  IDENTITY.
Jesus knew who he was and whom he belonged to. He knew his Father and his Father knew him. There was a certain clarity in this identity. It was personal; this is MY Son.

2. Whom I love. FEELINGS.
Jesus knew how his Father felt about him. His Father communicated his emotional feelings about his son. He loved him unconditionally and told anyone who was listening.

3. With Him I am well pleased. PLEASURE.
Jesus brought pleasure to his Father. Was it his character? Was it his obedience? What is clear is that the Father felt pleasure when he thought about His Son.

You and I can do this. For five years I have consciously affirmed each of my children using this model almost every day. I affirm their identity as my son or as my daughter. I let them know how much I love them. I tell each one how pleased I am with them. It probably takes 30-45 seconds per child. For my five kids – that is less then five minutes per day.

Every man with children wants to excel as a father. 92% of men with children at home consider fathering their most important job. For a man to succeed as a father, he will need a clear and compelling model. Scripture gives us a model. I would encourage you this Father’s Day to pass on this model to your men. Men need models – especially in fathering.

Listen to our radio program for men each day for encouragement and models in living for Christ at: www.oneplace.com/ministries/man_2_man_express