Learn From the Best

Nº 150 LEARN FROM THE BEST weekly devotions to refresh your soul by Dr. Dan Bolin - June 15, 2021

“This is how Christians grow great, by making themselves greatly useful to others. If you are the slave of all, willing to do anything so that you can but help them, and make them happy and holy, this is to be a father in the church of God. Sympathetic care and hearty tenderness are gifts of the Holy Spirit, and will bring you a happiness which will richly compensate you for your pains.” - Charles Spurgeon

As we approach Father’s Day, maybe we can all learn a few parenting lessons from the only perfect Father. Matthew records the astonishing moment when God the Father showed up at his Son’s baptism. “A voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.’” (Matthew 3:17) The Father’s example provides four powerful lessons. Identity – This is my Son. I can see the Father smiling and announcing, That’s my boy! Proudly affirm your family bonds. Love – Whom I love. Expressions of love, especially publicly, cement the relationship. Tell them often, I love you! Approval – With him I am well pleased. Affirmation goes beyond our shared genetic bonding. Approving of choices, character development, and performance encourages more of the same. When deserved, lavish approval. Attendance – The Father made sure He attended His Son’s baptism. Showing up for our children’s big moments are powerful expressions of identity, love, and approval. This Father’s Day, take a page from God the Father’s playbook. Affirm your children’s identity, tell them you love them, express your approval for the good things in their lives, and spend time with them, especially during the significant moments of their lives.

Dan Bolin President Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc