A Compelling Life

 

In my years of working with families, it’s not hard to detect the influence of a father, good or bad, in people’s lives. The presence of a loving father shapes a child’s life in constructive ways that are incredible. A father’s absence leaves a hole that is difficult to fill. I have noticed fear, abandonment, and anger, for example, and have asked about their relationship with their father only to find out there wasn’t any relationship.

My dad made a deep impression on my early life. He taught us to work and the discipline to make our bodies do what they did not want to do. I can remember my father’s voice waking my brother and me up while it was still dark to go to work. It would be a blessing all through life.

My dad included us in his work and life. I remember going in the truck with my dad from the age of two or three. He made long trips hauling gravel to the drilling crews for deep water wells for irrigation. That was before car seats. I used to stand beside my dad in the truck, and when I wanted to sit, he let me sit on a wooden box so I could see. I can remember the smells of the truck, grease, dirt, and smells from the engine. And if I got too tired, I had everything I needed to sack out on the seat with my head near my dad.

I grew up feeling very secure and valued by my mother and father. I certainly felt very safe in my father’s presence. My dad was fun to be with, even if we were working. He was very affirming and encouraging. When we were small, my dad clarified the boundaries, and we knew the consequences of violating them. Most of all, my dad passed on to me his faith: his actions, as much as his words, were most influential.

The Apostle Peter later in his life gave fathers some excellent advice (1 Pet 5:2-7). He tells us to be servants, not lording it over our families, not greedy, but eager to serve in humility—this is a description of a father who will impact those little lives in incredible ways.

What matters as a father is that we stay clear of sin and overcome any bad habits. If we don't, we will mess up our lives and the entire family. Peter describes a man willing to own his mistakes and show grace to his family. I had that kind of father, and his influence still lives in my life today even though he is gone.

Let Not Your Hearts Be Troubled

 

For the last few days, Life had been a roller coaster ride with Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

The disciples were troubled men. They just had learned that Jesus was leaving them. Then he announced that one of his own disciples would betray him and another would deny him. They were dismayed, so, Jesus spoke to their fear and anxiety. Knowing their anguish, Jesus said his famous words, “Do not let your hearts be troubled.” (John 14:1).  These words convey firm conviction but were likely spoken with a gentle tone. Most important for us is to realize that these words are also for all of us today who are troubled and anxious by many things.

Today we are plagued by anxiety, rising crime, rising costs of living, rising gas prices, incompetent and corrupt government, wars, and escalating violence on a level we have never witnessed. Jesus told us how to deal with our anxiety—it was simply to trust in God and trust in him. When we trust God, we obey him.

I have experienced God through the peace that came to me when he forgave my sin. This was my conversion from sin to salvation. Secondly, I have experienced God through the years. His presence has been with me and has made himself known to me in many ways. Namely, is the still small voice with which he often speaks to me. Thirdly, I have experienced God with the hope of an eternal home. I know that death is the earthly enemy, and my life will end one day, but that will not be the end for me. My life with Jesus in heaven will only have just begun.

Jesus tells his disciples to put their faith totally in him. Then he said, You know the way to the place where I am going,” (John 14:4). Thomas did not understand, so he asked “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” (John 14:5). Jesus responded with this incredible answer:“I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

Jesus is "the way and the truth and the life." He is not one of many ways but the only way! He is truth and he is life! If we follow Jesus, we will be on our way to life—eternal life because he is the way. He becomes our GPS system. Each day we begin by following him—all the way to heaven.