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A Father's Legacy.

 A father is first and foremost an example to his children. What kind of person the child eventually becomes is ultimately up to the child, but that doesn't mean that a father doesn't have a real effect on the choices and decisions the child makes. A good father can be a real blessing to a family, but a bad father can be a cause of great harm and stumbling. The bible teaches us not to curse our parents, and it teaches us to honour them, but what happens when a father makes it very difficult for his family to show him the proper respect that God wants for children and their parents. The influence a dad makes on his children will last forever, either for good or for bad, he is to be responsible for the biblical upbringing of his children. While even the best dad is still a sinner, parents still need to repent if they are going to go to Heaven when they die. A father who discourages their children from following Jesus is a bad example of a godly father. Many people have grown up in homes where the father was or is still antagonistic towards the gospel. In this case, you can still respect your dad, but you don't have to follow him, if following him means it will send your soul to hell. 

 In Ezekiel 18:20 the bible says "the soul that sins shall die." If you read the entire chapter it starts by repeating a proverb "The word of the LORD came to me: “What do you mean by repeating this proverb concerning the land of Israel, ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge’? As I live, declares the Lord GOD, this proverb shall no more be used by you in Israel.  Behold, all souls are mine; the soul of the father as well as the soul of the son is mine: the soul who sins shall die." It is not hard to understand, fathers (or mothers) are not held responsible for the sins of their sons, and sons (or daughters) are not held responsible for the sins of their fathers, (or mothers). 

Even though only fathers are only mentioned as well as sons, the principle is the same for mothers and daughters, or mothers and sons, or fathers and daughters. God will ultimately hold each soul responsible for their own sins, so much for psychology. Sin is serious to God, and the legacy that a father leaves to a child can either be a sinful legacy or a godly legacy. Of course if you are a father, you want to leave a godly legacy to your children because they will be blessed by your example, but the fact is that each soul and each father/parent must decide. Sometimes we can look to others where our parents have failed. Looking to other godly christian examples can help. I went to Saint Brother Andre high school growing up, and his picture always gives me some comfort. Although this saint was a brother, he can be looked at like a father for me. This is Mike. 


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