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He’d
Grown Up Just Like Me!
Introduction:
Lyrics: Cats In The
Cradle
Artist: Harry Chapin,
Album: Cats In The Cradle
My
child arrived just the other day
He
came to the world in the usual way
But
there were planes to catch and bills to pay
He
learned to walk while I was away
And
he was talkin’ ‘fore I knew it, and as he grew
He’d say “I’m gonna be like you Dad
You
know I’m gonna be like you.”
My
son turned ten just the other day
He
said, “Thanks for the ball, Dad, come on let’s play
Can
you teach me to throw?” I said, “Not today.
I
got a lot to do.” He said, “That’s ok.”
And
he walked away but his smile never dimmed
And
said, “I’m gonna be like him, yeah
You
know I’m gonna be like him.”
Well, he came home from college just the other day
So
much like a man I just had to say
“Son, I’m proud of you, can you sit for a while?”
He
shook his head and said with a smile
“What I’d really like, Dad, is to borrow the car keys
See
you later, can I have them please?”
I’ve long since retired, my son’s moved away
I
called him up just the other day
I
said, “I’d like to see you if you don’t mind.”
He
said, “I’d love to, Dad, if I can find the time
You
see my new job’s a hassle and kids have the flu
But
it’s sure nice talking to you, Dad
It’s been sure nice talking to you.”
And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me
He’d grown up just like me
My
boy was just like me.
Chorus:
And
the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon
Little boy blue and the man on the moon
“When you comin’ home Dad?”
“I
don’t know when, but we’ll get together then son
You
know we’ll have a good time then.”
Theme:
Fathers exert strong influence on their children, whether good or
bad!
Text:
Ephesians
6:4
“Do not exasperate your children.” Kindly but earnestly train them
to have self-control, self-respect, diligence, and faithfulness.
Startling statistic:
Over one-half of America’s high-school age young people live in a
“fatherless” home. Some fathers may live in the house but
not really be in the home!
Fathers need to realize that they must make every effort to insure
their influence is the best they can provide.
Example of positive influence: Asa taught Jehoshaphat to do
right.
II Chronicles
20:31-32
Example of negative influence: Eli did not restrain his
sons. I
Samuel 3:11-13
But
How Can Fathers Do This?
-
Deuteronomy
6:4-9
Fathers must teach diligently. They must communicate Biblical
truths in a clearly, understood way. Use every
opportunity to teach.
-
Deuteronomy
6:13-19
Fathers must practice discipline and tell the child why.
Ephesians
6:1-3 This
prepares them for a well-lived life on earth and the privilege
of possessing good land that was promised to the faithful.
-
Deuteronomy
6:20-25
Fathers must show their children by way of example the road to
Heaven, the Promised Land. Fathers must lead, they can’t push
anymore than one can push a rope. Neither can you push them
into right living.
Isaiah 48:17
-
Deuteronomy
7:6-9
Fathers, love your children; not just when they are good, but
always. They are a special treasure given to you by God. Note
the meeting of Jacob and Esau in
Genesis 33:5.
-
Deuteronomy
8:7-10
Fathers, bless your children in every way. Nurture and care for
them, provide important things in life. Bless them with your
time and attention. “They need that one thousand times more
than they need your money.”
Conclusion:
Are you the kind of father your children really need? If your son
grows up to be the kind of man you are right now, what manner of man
will he be?
Bobby Stafford
April 1, 2012
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