Number 4 – Good Dads are Spiritually Involved
Recently, I was reading about the increase in the number of people who want to climb Mount Everest. Apparently, this has become a very big business as thrill-seekers, young and old, experienced and novice, covet the opportunity to put their bodies and minds to the ultimate test. After all, Mount Everest, which is located in the Himalayas on the border between China and Nepal, is the earth’s highest mountain with its peak at an amazing 29,029 feet about sea level.
There are two standard routes that are used by most climbers and neither poses a significant technical challenge. But, the most dangerous obstacle, and the one that has caused most of the climber deaths, is altitude sickness. In its most severe case, it causes fluid in the lungs and swelling in the brain that will leave a person so disoriented that they can’t think clearly. If this happens to you while on Mount Everest, it means almost certain death.
You see, the other climbers, who tend to be focused on reaching the summit and their own survival, have limited oxygen to spare and not much time to help you. In fact, what happened to climber David Sharp illustrates this point well. In 2006, Sharp reached Mount Everest’s summit, but on the way down, he ran out of oxygen. At least 40 climbers passed him, and, much like the story of the Good Samaritan, none of them made an attempt to rescue him. So, out of oxygen and severely frostbitten, he died next to the corpse of 28-year-old Indian climber Tsewang Paljorto, who is known as “Green Boots,” since his frozen undisturbed body serves as both a marker and a reminder of what could await climbers.
Therefore, it’s not surprising that even the most experienced climbers don’t venture to tackle Mount Everest alone. In fact, they hire special guides called “Sherpas.” Because they have been living in the area for so long, they have developed a genetic ability to function at very high altitudes. Whereas most people start to have oxygen problems above 8000 feet, they have an amazing endurance up to about 23,000 feet. Since the Sherpa guides have trekked Everest many times, they are experts when it comes to knowing the weather patterns and the intricacies about the best time to climb. Moreover, the Sherpas are adept at pointing out the “green boots” and perils because they are well aware of the consequences that await those who fail to heed their warning. (Of note, David Sharp did not hire a Sherpa. He chose to climb alone.)
But these gifted Sherpa guides can do something else that is wondrously important. With their uniquely trained and experienced eyes, they can help those in their care pause and take in the beauty of Mount Everest. You see, this mountain is not all danger. It’s a delight as well with many breathtaking peaks, vistas, and valleys that one can only see from its heights. That’s why so many are drawn to it and would risk life and limb to plant their personal flag on its summit. And, it’s not surprising that the official Tibetan name for Mount Everest is Chomolungma, which means “Holy Mother.”
As I reflect upon what I had learned about Mount Everest and the Sherpa guides, it struck me that this was a fantastic metaphor for good fathers who seek to be spiritually involved in their children’s lives. Parenting has much in common with Mount Everest; children need their fathers, like inexperienced climbers need the Sherpas, to guide them and to help them avoid the perils and unwise decisions of life. But, they also need their fathers to help them appreciate the wonders that await them on the upward journey to fulfill God’s purpose for their lives. You see, good dads are “guide dads.”
But, there is a problem.
Although Sherpas are born at a high altitude, which uniquely prepares them to be effective guides, fathers are not born “acclimated” to be spiritual guides for their children. They can only reach the spiritual high altitudes of a close relationship with God through prayer, fasting, and studying scripture. Only then can a father truly get the wisdom and discernment necessary to guide his children properly. Without doing this, from a spiritual perspective, a father will be an ill-equipped and unprepared blind guide who won’t be able to see spiritual dangers that his children must avoid. He also will not be able to help his children see God’s blessings in the peaks and valleys of life.
So, if a father truly wants to be spiritually involved and guide his children, here are 4 key things that he must do:
- Develop a strong relationship with God
o A father must “practice what he preaches” and be disciplined in spending daily time with God in prayer and reading the Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” Given the distractions of life, I know that this can be a challenge to do. But, you can’t give what you don’t have and you can’t guide your children on a spiritual journey that you have never taken.
- Pray daily for and with your children
o Ephesians 6:12 says, “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Therefore, a father must never forget that there is a war going on and prayer is the most important weapon in his arsenal. Remember, there is an Evil One and a culture that would like nothing more than to lead your children off a cliff.
- Model the spiritual behavior that you want to see
o The notion of “do as I say but not as I do” has never worked. It’s the essence of hypocrisy and children detect this right away. Remember that your children are more likely to “be what they see.” That said, the most important behavior that you must model is love, not just toward your children and family, but also toward people that you make not like. Note what 1 Corinthian 13:3-8 says about love:
If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
- Set spiritual “markers” to help your children stay on the path
o When climbers make the trek up Everest, there are many markers and landmarks that they use to help them stay on the right path. Some markers, like “Green Boots” are quite poignant but others, like planted flags, are signs of hope and are a tremendous source of encouragement. In 1 Samuel 7:1-13, the Bible chronicles the story of how the Israelites were afraid of an approaching Philistine army. All seemed lost but God delivered them. To mark this deliverance, Samuel set a special stone called an “Ebenezer.” He wanted the Israelites to never forget “Till now the Lord has helped us.” I believe that Samuel’s action serves as a great example for fathers. Good dads set visual reminders for his children so that they will always know that there is a God who will always help them.
To learn the other 3 things good dads do click here.
The above is an excerpt from Bad Dads of the Bible: 8 Mistakes Every Good Dad Can Avoid. Click here to order a copy.
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