by Joey Watkins

Something that really bothers me is the never-ending blame placed on our “evil culture” for the struggles, failures, pressures, and negative influence on the “younger generation” today.

Of course it’s easy to see the sin and degradation in the world, point our finger, and place the blame “out there.”

But the truth of the matter is that evil and godless culture have been around ever since the Old Testament cities of Babel, Sodom, and Gomorrah. And they will continue to exist into the future.

Instead, let us admit our own failure as parents to fully turn our hearts to our children and personally raise them, bless them, affirm them, and model to them how to overcome “the world” and learn the ways of God, His power, and His instructions for life — not “outsource” this responsibility to a local church, youth group, youth pastor, school, other adults, or youth programs.

As fathers, if our sons and daughters do not grow up to become passionate followers of Jesus Christ, full of faith, love, and bearing fruit for God’s Kingdom, then how dare we place any blame on anything or anyone else except ourselves.

Fellow Dad, God gave you and me the primary influence in our children’s lives.

Not television. Not the Internet. Not their friends. Not movies. Not music.

He gave that primary influence to US as their earthly fathers!

The power of our relationship with our sons and daughters is the strongest earthly influence and the most powerful earthly relationship in their lives. I pray this truth sinks deeply into your heart, your soul, and your spirit as it has gripped mine.

Invest your time, actions, money, and your words DAILY in your children’s lives. Don’t be so busy trying to “do good” out in the world that you miss the limited window of time you have to influence your own “next generation.”

Take maximum advantage of your “father power.”

Use it for God’s glory.

Make the most of it.

Seize the day. Every day.

You can do it. You have what it takes.

But don’t blame culture.

FamilyDads Resource

Father Power: Inspiring Every Dad To Be His Child’s Superhero