Father: Are we living up to this word?

My father, Bill Bondurant, passed away on July 23, 2009, from bone cancer. He was 79 years old. It’s been almost 15 years.

As time goes by, I miss him dearly. I know he’s in Heaven. Why? Because I know how he lived and modeled his faith in Jesus to me and my siblings. He gave his life to Christ. For that, I am eternally grateful for my parents and how they chose to show us Jesus. I chose to use the word “show” intentionally; it was not really verbalized a lot, and they didn’t need to. It was easy to see in his life.

How he treated other people, even those who took advantage of him at his business.

How he read his bible and lived the words.

How he made attending Northwest Avenue Church of Christ a priority, and the way he served.

How he disciplined us fairly and because he loved us.

How generous he was.

How supportive he was.

How he loved our mother and made her a priority.

I became a father on September 26, 2005. Eighteen years ago. I am now blessed to have three children. If someone would say to me that I was a father like my dad, I would take that as the most kind and caring words anyone could ever say. He was one of a kind.

As much as that would be a compliment. Men, how would you feel if someone looked at you and said you are leading your family in a Godly way? You expose your children to Jesus. You ask for the Holy Spirit to be in their lives. You show them how to pray and how to trust Jesus first. Imagine how awesome that is. Men, it’s ours for the taking. So, take it. Become the example of Jesus to your family the way the bible teaches us to do so. Look at these verses and Paul’s take on this.

1 Corinthians 4: 14-21. (Read verses 1-13 as well)

Paul’s Appeal and Warning

14 I am writing this not to shame you but to warn you as my dear children. 15 Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. 16 Therefore I urge you to imitate me. 17 For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.

18 Some of you have become arrogant, as if I were not coming to you. 19 But I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing, and then I will find out not only how these arrogant people are talking, but what power they have. 20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. 21 What do you prefer? Shall I come to you with a rod of discipline, or shall I come in love and with a gentle spirit?

Paul is so bold in his faith and in his relationship with Jesus.

Men, we can be this bold as well, and it can start with our families. You follow Jesus and help your family to follow your example. Lead them well so they can lead themselves as they mature.

I realize my words here are a little heavier than some of my other blogs. I’m not bothered by that. My words here are true. Answer the question I gave in the title of this blog. Are you and I living up to the word father? Especially in a biblical context. If not, why not?

Men, join a group of other men, embrace the word father in your life, and be the best one possible. Our families depend on it. If you are not a father yet, prepare yourself for that day. Be praying for your future wife and kids.

Father’s Day is more than a day on the calendar. Father’s Day is a day to be proud of the example you can be to those you love the most.