May I ask you a question?
Your family…our passion! When one is passionate about some cause, someone, some thing; it compels them to take steps to satisfy or fulfill that passion. People will go to great lengths or spend huge sums of time and/or money to get it! Passion is defined as ‘any powerful or compelling emotion or feeling, as love or hate’; ‘a strong amorous feeling or desire’. Passions might start in your mind but it is mostly fulfilled in your heart. One might have a passion for sports, golf, food, cars, opposite sex, games, boats, to serve others; you name it. Name yours!
Dads, your family’s well-being is the overwhelming motivation that drives the Abiding Fathers ministry. Everything we plan, pray about, spend time on, write about, meet on, speak to, engage with; it’s all about your family. Why? Because there is absolutely nothing more valuable than you, your wife and children. Nothing! Quite frankly, we are passionate about you and your success! Maybe to the point of obsession. We desire it so deeply!!
May I ask you a question?
Is your family…your passion? Be honest with yourself. Think about this. If it’s not, why isn’t it? If it is, do they know it? Do you continually express it verbally and demonstrate it through your actions?
Ask yourself:
Is your wife your top priority and does she know it
Are your children second only to her and do they know that
Would they say you love them unconditionally
Do you plan your schedule to be a part of their lives
Do you know what they are passionate about
Do you support them in their endeavors
Do you know each of their gifts, personal and spiritual
Do you date your wife…and your kids
Do you plan events and trips to be with them
Do you tell them you love them daily
Do you pray with and for them
Do you involve them in your work life
Do you have a plan for your family
Do you care enough to discipline them when needed
Do you know your kids’ teachers’ names
Do you know their friends’ names
Do you bless them verbally
Do you take time to listen to her and them
Do you engage them with truth from the Bible
Do you share missions to the poor and needy together
Do they feel free to share intimate thoughts with you
Do you have their back…can they count on you
Are you attempting to be their best role model?
Take this inventory test and rate your passion for your family
Then take measures to correct the weaknesses. Know that you cannot be perfect in every area, but you can be in pursuit of that perfection. Your wife and kids will sense your passion for them, and forgiving when you fall short. And when you do, simply stop, ask forgiveness and move on with your passionate journey.
God will direct you in your pursuit if you will allow Him. Remember, He pursued you with passion, even to the point of giving His Son’s very life to prove His love for His earthly family, YOURS!! Can we do any less?
“Love your wife as Christ loved the Church.” Eph. 5:25 “Fathers, don’t exasperate your children, take them by the hand and lead them in the way of the Master.” Eph. 6:4
My abbreviated translations.
