"The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Proverbs 1:7
Several years ago, I was invited to a special early morning talk on the principles of "successful business management." The speaker was Truitt Cathy, founder of the "Chic-fil-a" Restaurant chain - a "self-made" millionaire and my sons Sunday School teacher.
You could feel the anticipation building as young men and women scurried to find their seats. Each person steeled themselves with disciplined attention toward the one who was about to give them sound business counsel.
Aged and slowed by years of faithful laboring, Mr. Cathy carefully approached the podium. He gently but firmly clutched the edges of the stand in order to steady himself. Bending slightly forward, he softly but firmly uttered these words...
When I was young, I worked seventy to eighty hours a week. When Sunday came around, I spent the day resting. I suppose God decided to bless that decision! Let me now tell you what it takes to be a successful businessperson in today's world...
Mr. Cathy took a deep breath, almost as if he knew his words would become a source of perplexity in the minds of those who came to hear his sage business advice...
I know you have gathered here this morning to hear what it takes to become a successful businessperson. Let me therefore, share with you these things...
For the next two hours, Truitt Cathy shared his life's personal passion; the responsibilities for men to "father your family." The faces of many of the young people present morphed from excited anticipation into indifference. They put their pens down and simply listened. Others got up and walked out. A few got the message.
God said it in black and white, a long time ago - contrasting the man who fears the Lord will begin to understand God's view of things. But, the fool will say, "There is no God!" and remains devoid of wisdom and understanding!
Such is the problem with receiving or giving counsel on the subject of "fathering your family." God declares a man as wise who fears Him but calls one who does not, "a fool." How does one get around that?
To some present that morning, Mr. Cathy's counsel was a waste of time because they themselves had no fear of God - thus, devoid of wisdom and understanding. In short, they remained fools in God's eyes. Others heard Mr. Cathy that morning and were able to use his sound counsel as an exhortation toward obtainment of God's wisdom and understanding - and avoiding the pitfalls of idolatry and covetousness.
This is a time of profound decision making for dads. To fully begin "fathering your family" requires a fear of the Lord. These are God's words, not mine.
To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; To receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; To give subtlety to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels: To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings. Proverbs 1:2-6
As a father, I continually fear God in anticipation of receiving some of His wisdom and understanding - to be a more effective husband and father. What about you?
As we journey along the road of "Fathering Your Family", I will introduce several critical aspects related to the subject of counsel...
- Why do we need counsel
- Who should give us counsel
- How should counsel be given
- William Bateman
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