Articles . Michael Catt . Volume 04 | Issue 11

Dads

Father’s Day is this Sunday. When God established the home, He intended for fathers to be the Spiritual leaders. That does not mean the father is a dictator or perfect. It means he leads his family by example.

I am grateful for my dad. Although he is a quiet man, he has taught me much in my life. I respect him and love him more than he can imagine. He taught me how to throw a football, hit a baseball and play golf. As a young man, my dad was a GREAT athlete. Although I was born with two left feet, he never looked down on me because I was not a great athlete. He has never pressured me to become something I am not. He did, however, raise me to be an Ole Miss fanatic.

My dad gave me my first job. As long as I can remember, I worked in our drugstore. He taught me the value of hard work, courtesy and money. He helped me understand saving money and tithing.

Dad served his country faithfully in World War II. In fact, he was a member of the Squadron that dropped the first atomic bomb. Although he was a part of one of the most significant historic events of the 20th Century, he never says much—it was his duty.

Dad is a pastor supporter. He has never gone to church to sleep. When other drugstores were open during church, his was closed. He has never taught a class, but serves faithfully as a deacon and usher. He wants what is best for his church.

My father has always supported me in whatever decision I made. He has always given good counsel. He is my dad and I am proud to be his son.

Terri’s dad made an impact on her life. He built into her life a treasure of memories. She still talks about him taking her everywhere with him (including the hardware store). I am grateful for his quiet influence on Terri’s life. He’s a great father-in-law, too! As a father, I have noticed my kids are more concerned about my paying attention to them than my ordination. They have never been bowled over by my resume. I’m not “Brother Michael” at home (THANK THE LORD). The greatest compliment Erin and Hayley have given me is they think I am funny. I just hope they aren’t referring to my sermons.

All fathers must struggle with the time constraints, pressures of job performance and the economic pressures of keeping up in the 90s. It is never easy. However, as believers, we have an eternal resource in the Holy Spirit. We also have an example of what we are to be like. God revealed Himself as “Father.”

Jesus revealed the Father’s heart. As fathers, we would do well to study the Scripture and see what our Heavenly Father is like. I can be a better earthly father if I discover the attitude of my Heavenly Father. Maybe we need to spend less time reading how-to books and going to seminars, and spend more time talking to our Father in heaven.

Profound thought…”God is on the lookout for candidates with hearts perfect toward Him. He is not a talent scout looking for somebody strong enough or good enough. He is looking for someone with a heart set on pleasing Him and an eye single to His glory. He will do the rest.”…Dr. Havner.

© 2004 Michael C. Catt, 1994, I Left My Mind in Mississippi, pg. 57-59.