Characteristics of a Great Dad (3)

‘...we loved you so much...’ 1 Thessalonians 2:8 NIV

Hard work. ‘Surely you remember…we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone.’ (v9) If the church had been an army, Paul would have been a commanding general. He could easily have given orders to be provided for to whatever extent he chose, and been obeyed. But he didn’t do that. What he did was work hard, beyond the requirements of his ministry, to alleviate the financial burden others would have had on his behalf. Dad, your kids need to see you do the same, because: (1) By seeing you work hard it elevates the importance of work and helps them discover dignity in it. ‘Lazy hands make a man poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.’ (Proverbs 10:4 NIV) (2) By allowing them to share work with you around the home, you prepare them for success on the job by imparting to them much-needed work principles and skills. ‘Do you see a man skilled in his work? He will serve before kings; he will not serve before obscure men.’ (Proverbs 22:29 NIV) You’ll be preparing them to be recognised for excellence and promoted because of their outstanding work ethic and skills. In a time of economic trouble when only the strong survive the competition, prepare your children to be the best they can be. The attitudes and abilities you nurture in them will benefit them all their lives.