Fathers hold a special place in a child’s life. Some fathers are involved with sports teams, outdoor games, and even having tea parties – just having lots of fun with their kids. Other dads enjoy helping children learn new skills: anything from baking to building birdhouses. It really doesn’t matter so much how Dads spend time with their children, as long as it’s quality time together. Father’s Day is a time to remember just how special your Dad is.

So, are you a dad looking for a little help in being a good father? One particular verse from the Bible really helps: “Fathers, don’t provoke your children, instead bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.”

• Don’t provoke your children. – That means don’t make unrealistic demands. Don’t crush their spirit by being aloof or overly strict. Every child has a fragile psyche that needs to be built up, not torn down.
• Bring them up in discipline. – Discipline should be fair and consistent. They need to know the boundaries and know there are negative consequences if they ignore them. This gives children security and helps them know they are loved.
• …and the instruction of the Lord. – Discipline precedes instruction–any good teacher knows that. But discipline without instruction exasperates children. They need Dad to teach them right from wrong and to do it with love.

It’s not easy being a good dad, but we sure have a great model in our Heavenly Father revealed to us through Jesus.

Happy Father’s Day!