Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers in the church and across the country. Many may not be fathers, but they have had fathers, and I’m sure they know the blessing of having a godly father. Once there was a TV program entitled “Father Knows Best”. He may not always know what is best, but he is using the best judgment he can to do what is best for his children and family. The buddy system is prevalent today in which the father is supposed to be a buddy to his children. That is good but there comes a time when a father has to stop being a buddy and be a father as discipline is administered when a child has been disobedient. Again, this is administered because of love just as the Heavenly Father administers chastening to those that He loves. The Bible says, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?” (Heb. 12:6-7). Our fathers do the same thing because they care enough to do their best and their best is not good enough when a child is left to himself. Once again the old reliable Bible gives us the answer. “The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.” (Prov. 29:15). Not only does it bring his mother to shame, it also bring his father to shame. We are to honor the name of the Heavenly Father and we are to honor the name of our natural father who has a good name. A good name is not automatically given, it is earned through proper Christian conduct. Solomon said, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.” (Prov. 22:1). Some sons want to make a name for themselves in the sports world or in show business etc. but they should desire to have a good name and take the measures necessary to ensure a good name. Happy Father’s Day to all and pray the Lord will continue to give wisdom from above to be a good father, knowing that we are human and will make mistakes.–June 16, 2012–Elder Larry Wise
