The Open Door

Paul Kummer, a minister in Destin, Florida wrote an article for the Walton Sun newspaper titled, “One Person Who Never Broke A Promise.” It was impossible to miss that this was a proud dad who was writing about his very bright four-year-old daughter whose name is Hosanna.

Paul Kummer’s subject was “promises.” We make promises continuously in our lives. Some promises seem to be easily kept while others are too easily broken. When Paul’s wife, Susan, used the word “promise” in a sentence, Hosanna asked what the word meant. After Susan explained the meaning of the word, Hosanna said, “Oh, like things God says He will do or never do?”

“Yes, dear! What are some of those promises?”

The spiritual nurture that Hosanna had received at home became evident as I read her answers to that question:

“God promises that He will always love me. He promises that He will never leave me. Another thing He promises is that He will never take my stuff; He will never act like the devil or hurt me. And the best promise He made to me is that He will come back to pick me up someday.”

What great theology this is coming out of the heart and mouth of a child! Every dad should have as his goal to lead his children to love Jesus in such a way that early in their lives they would acknowledge that our God is a great God Who is faithful in His promises.

The best advantage you can give your children in helping them to know the Lord is to live like Jesus before them everyday. Promise to bless them in many ways and never fail to keep your promises. In thinking about this theme, I want to suggest some things that we as dads should promise our children.

1. I promise to always love you, no matter what.

2. I promise to always love your mother.

3. I promise to provide for your needs everyday.

4. I promise that I will never leave you; I’ll be there for you.

5. I promise to never intentionally do anything that would hurt you in any way.

6. I promise to consistently act in your best interest.

7. I promise to be personally devoted to Jesus Christ and to encourage you in your personal commitment to Christ and growth as a Christian.

As we approach Father’s Day, dads, let’s make this a time of commitment to promises that will make a lifetime of difference in the lives of our children.