Deer Stand Devotionals: The Importance of Fathers

Proverbs 5:1-2My son, attend unto my wisdom, and bow thine ear to my understanding:2 That thou mayest regard discretion, and that thy lips may keep knowledge.

Much of Proverbs is written by Solomon to "my son". Solomon knew the importance of leaving a strong spiritual legacy to his sons. 

As I work with incarcerated youth each week, I see first-hand the devastating effects of fathers abandoning their wives and kids. I see young men who are thirsting for someone to come along side them and mentor them.

This past May, my wife and I were privileged to return to the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola for AWANA's Returning Hearts Celebration. Hundreds of kids able to come in and spend one day out of 365 with their dads, and hearing the hearts of the dads as they talked about how they looked forward to this day all year. It was humbling to think that I have 365 days a year with my kids.

All this ties together. As we see society crumbling around us, even secular sources are beginning to discuss the importance of fathers. This summer, the Washington Post1 asked if perhaps a key to protecting mothers and their children was "married dads". Something that God told us in His Word thousands of years ago.

So what does this all mean? Dads, we have a responsibility to impart wisdom to our kids. To love them, to love them a legacy of spiritual blessings.

It's a new year. A fresh start. This year, let's ask our Heavenly Father to help us follow His perfect example.

1 Washingtonpost.com, One way to end violence against women? Married Dads W. Bradford Wilcox & Robin Wilson