Lessons I Learned From My Father

A majority of the lessons we learned as children will ultimate- ly shape how we live in the present day. They will be the founda- tion of our current actions and our future ones. These lessons, whether they are good or bad, will have an impact on how we live our own lives and how we will eventually train our children. They say you cannot pick your family or your neighbors, but God does place people in our lives who will set an example and pass on life changing lessons to be followed. Throughout my life, I have had many people who have set a high example of Christian living. Those who have shown by example, lived a life worth fol- lowing, and taught me lessons of life. One of those people is my dad.

My dad spent his career as a principal of a Christian school, which was associated with the church we attended, and our lives revolved around the school and church. When I think back on all of the lessons my dad has taught me, the list is quite exten- sive. There are many practical lessons, such as riding a bike, car maintenance, baiting a hook, and skinning a buck, just to name a few. Yet, as there are many I could write about, there are a few specific lessons that I would like to highlight, primarily those which have had a large impact in my daily living, from my time as a young boy to my life today. These are not all encompassing, but these three lessons I learned from my dad are what I hope to instill in my children as well.

Faithfulness

One very important lesson I have learned from my dad is faithfulness. This was not something only taught or told, but more of a living example. He showed me what it was like to be faithful to God, family, and work. Unless we were sick in bed, not a Sunday went by where we missed going to church and being involved in various aspects of ministry and serving. Church was a clear priority and attendance was a non-negotiable item. Not out of a legalistic approach, but because he knew the command, value, and importance church was to our family. To take it fur- ther, it was not showing up to church and going home. It was the involvement of being part of ministry and serving others. Being faithful takes consistency, and my dad showed me what this looks like.

Humility

Another key lesson I have learned from my dad is humility and self-sacrifice. There has not been a time in my life where I can remember my dad ever putting himself above others. Countless times I have seen him put others before his desires, showing me the truth of Philippians 2:4 which says, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interest of others.” He would put aside his own priorities and put others before himself. This was displayed in his sacrifice of time and effort at church and school and for friends and family.

Hard Work

Lastly, a solid lesson my dad instilled in me was to always have a strong work ethic. Once again this was not just told to me but shown to me. I can vividly remember times as a young boy watching my dad work, and more importantly doing it the right way. Showing me to always do my best no matter what the task was or how difficult the job. He would always tell me, “If you are going to spend the time to work, you may as well do it right the first time.” This applied to whatever task he was doing. And why was this so important to him? Ultimately, it was not to bring glory to himself, but rather to bring glory to God. He showed me how to fully live out Colossians 3:17 which says, “And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

These three key lessons I continue to learn from my dad to- day. Nothing has changed, he still exemplifies these character- istics. This is due to his never-failing consistency. I constantly share these lessons with my kids, but my prayer is that I do not just share them, but actually live them in my life as my dad has shown me and continues to display.

Kent Roberts

Kent serves as a lay pastor/elder at Grace Rancho.

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It Takes a Church: Raising Your Kids in the Church

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Lessons I Learned From My Mother