The fourth video in the Fathering in a Pandemic series highlighting Urban Light Ministries POPS 101 course on how to become a better father. This session is hosted by Phil Sanders, the Sonshine Clubs youth ministry director of Urban Light Ministries. Phil reviews the first “P” in POPS101 concerning being a Protector for your family.
In this unprecedented time, it is apparent that the role of fathers is critical to the safety and well-being of the family. Fathers can help to ease the fears of chaos and confusion that their children may be feeling as we continue to live with the threat of the COVID-19. The greatest fear that we may face is the fear of the unknown and yet God tells us not to be afraid because He is always with us. Psalm 34:4 says, “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.” An important lesson that fathers need to teach their children is that God is always with us even in times when we are fearful. God wants to protect us from our fears, just as fathers want to protect their own children. God offers us protection through our faith. Faith over fear should be our guiding force during this pandemic.
Another way fathers can provide protection to their children is by teaching them to be safe through “safety huddles.” Safety huddles provide families an opportunity to discuss safety issues within the home such as bullying, on-line predetors, “Stranger Danger,” or what to do if there is a fire. In addition, it also allows for discussions regarding personal safety as well.
Not only are we currently dealing with a pandemic, but our nation is coming to grips with systemic racism and division that has been suppressed for far too long. There is an outcry for justice and peace among our brothers and sisters and we must listen and learn. Fathers have an incredible responsibility now to help their children understand that our country and its leaders must listen to the cries for justice. However, this must be done in a peaceful and responsible way. A question that we need to consider is, “How are the children?” Children today have been exposed to so much violence, chaos, confusion and uncertainty. Fathers must get a firm handle on how their children are doing. Spend some time talking, sharing ideas and just listening to one another may be the best way a father can protect his family from the lies of satan.
Matthew 18:3 refers to a “childlike” quality that must exist before you can enter into the kingdom of heaven, “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” Little children are humble and teachable, they have a sweet innocence about them and that’s what Christ was referring to in this passage. We must change and lose all pretense about one another. No judgement, there is only one who is able to judge others and that is Jesus Christ.
Biblical References
Father as Protector
“I sought the Lord, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears.”
(Psalm 34:4)
“I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”
(Matthew 18:3)