I heard the results about a survey taken among young men. They asked the question, “Who has influenced you the most in life?” Seventy-percent replied, “My dad.” Others who had a big influence on the young men were coaches, teachers, sports figures, pastors and leaders. I remember a story that greatly impressed me years ago. A man was walking through snow to go to a local bar for another drink. As he was walking, he heard a voice behind him. “Dad, don’t walk so big because I am following in your footprints.” He turned to see his son taking giant steps trying to step where he had stepped in the snow. This touched the man’s heart as he knew where the footsteps were leading his son. Tears flowed down his cheeks as he slowly bowed in the snow and asked God to save him and change his life because his son was following in his footsteps.
God said to Noah, “Come thou and all thy house into the ark” (Gen. 7:1). Years ago, when I pastored, I had the privilege to say to a father who had just come forward to be saved. “Charles, look behind you.” He turned to see his wife and son following behind him. Usually where the father leads, the family will follow. The greatest influence on a child is usually the father. One father overheard the conversations of a group of young boys during “Parent’s Day” at school. One boy stated, “My daddy is a doctor, and he makes lots of money, and we have a swimming pool.” Another said, “My daddy is a lawyer, and advises the president.” Another said, “My daddy owns a company, and we have our own airplane.” The dad dropped his head as it came time for his son to speak. Then he heard his son proudly say as he looked at him, “My daddy is here!” I used this illustration and many years later a dad told me he had never forgotten it and promised to always be “there” for his children. The word “Dad” always gets my attention. Dad, your children need you more than anything else you can give them. Happy Father’s Day!
