Just a little over nine years ago, I had the opportunity to attend the funeral service of Dr. Lee Roberson, a giant of the faith.  Dr. Roberson was a preacher of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ for 79 years and a pastor for 50 years.  He pastored the Highland Park Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee for 40 years and 6 months.  Under his leadership, Highland Park began many various and assorted ministries and saw over 60,000 follow the Lord in believer’s baptism.

Dr. Lee Roberson was married for almost 68 years until his wife preceded him to Heaven in June, 2005.  He had five children, one of whom went to Heaven at two months of age.  He had ten grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.  He took Romans 8:28 as his life verse at the death of their little girl, Joy.

Beside Dr. Roberson’s casket at his funeral service, there was a framed poster of him with one of his famous sayings on it, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.”  As I thought on this saying, I thought of all the leadership opportunities I have.  I have been afforded the opportunity to lead my wife, my children, and our church.

Think of the great responsibility and role the Lord has given each of us who are fathers.  According to Ephesians 6:4, dads are not to provoke their children to wrath by being either unreasonable or inconsistent.  Our children have feelings, hopes, likes, and dislikes.  They need constant supervision, counsel and boundaries.  As they mature, we must mature as well.

Dads, we should study our children.  Every part of them is growing.  We must recognize each phase of their maturity and make sure that we adapt our parenting skills.  We should determine to not intentionally provoke them.

We must establish a proper biblical relationship with each of our children.  I heard this statement many years ago and have often repeated it, “Rules without relationship equals rebellion.”  Make sure that you develop a relationship with your children.

Fathers can provoke their children by saying one thing and doing another.  You can provoke your child by always blaming them and never praising them, by showing favoritism between children, by making promises and not keeping them, as well as making light of a problem your child has.

Yes, Dad, “Everything rises and falls on leadership.”  Be sure to seize the opportunity you have today with your children. Trust me, the daily opportunities will soon be past. You will not regret making the most of your opportunity to lead!