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Father Knows Best (June 19th, 2011)

posted Jun 30, 2011, 4:07 PM by Kelvin Leu   [ updated Jun 30, 2011, 4:13 PM by hbchurch org ]
Many of us can remember the TV show Father Knows Best. It was an idealistic portrait of family life in America, circa. 1950’s. The title raises an important question: Would the Lord say of me, “Yes, in your case, Father Knows Best”?

From the beginning God placed the husband at the head of his house (1 Corinthians 11:3). This simply means, that with regard to his position, he is the one with a superior rank. It does not mean that he is better, nor is the woman inferior in any way. But the father is the one charged with directing the family.

Unfortunately, too many husbands shirk their responsibility and the wife is forced to lead the family. This has led to many situations where God’s plan is not being followed and the wife becomes the head by default. In order to keep this from happening, husbands need to “step up to the plate” and fulfill their God-given assignments. Only then can we say without hesitation, Father Knows Best.

Every father needs (in fact, he must) to carefully examine how he is doing as a father. Just like a medical check-up, there are some vital areas that need routine examination.

First, we should ask ourselves, “How am I doing as the spiritual leader in my house?” If my wife and children followed my example of spiritual growth and maturity where would they end up? Would they be spiritual “giants” because they could see that when it comes to spiritual growth Father Knows Best?

Second, we should ask, “How am I doing at getting my priorities right?” Remember, Jesus said that we must put Him and His cause first (Matthew 6:33). Since we believe the Bible is God’s word, and we know the difference between first and second, then we need to honestly ask ourselves, “Does my walk conform to my talk?” Do I ALWAYS put the Lord first? If so, then we can truly say Father Knows Best.

Finally, just as a careful maestro, we need to direct the affairs of our household in such a way that the very air we breath is, in a sense, saturated with the love of God. If this is the case, then the business of loving God with ALL of our heart, mind, and soul will follow as naturally as water flowing from an artesian well. Jesus made it very clear, the litmus test for devotion is love for God and our neighbor (Matthew 22:37-39). If we want to be sure that in our house, Father Knows Best, then we need to make certain that God-defined love is the rule. 

“And now a word to you fathers. Don't make your children angry by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction approved by the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4—NLT

by  Ken Dart
email him at hbchurch1@verizon.net
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