SUMMARY:

Today's discussion involves the topics of fathering and leadership. Discover how the small things we do matter as a father and leader and have the potential to impact children and people for a lifetime.

KEY VERSES:

Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. Colossians 3:21

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old, he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION & DISCUSSION:

• Check in with each other.
• Share some of your experiences with your father growing up. Where did he succeed and what were his short-coming?
• How has this positively and negatively impacted your leadership?
• What changes would you like to make in your leadership today?
• If you have children, how do you think they perceive your voice and training?
• What issues do you need to address? And what steps do you need to take out of this time?

TRANSCRIPT:

Hey fellas.

Welcome to the Resolute Mid-Week Devo.

Today's thoughts are on fatherhood and leadership, and full credit for these thoughts go out to Roger Thompson, from Minneapolis. Thank you, Roger. I met with Roger this week, and he dared to ask me about my past, my family, and how that's impacted me over the years. Which of course set me on this path of reflection. So thanks, Roger, first for being a good mentor and second for stirring my thinking.

So as I was reflecting on his questions, I thought back to how my experience as a child had an impact on my parenting and leadership today. And I came across two great verses this morning.

First, Colossians 3:21, which reads, "Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged." Now while it's easy to read this and think only about how "the leadership of others" has impacted us, I believe there is a compelling warning to MY leadership in this verse. What captured me today is how often parenting, and leadership is a "moment to moment" experience regardless of who we lead. And in these surprising moments, guess what matters? MY voice matters. This is because the voice of my leadership impacts the tenderness of the child's heart often for a lifetime. So the caution here is to become aware of the power of my voice moment to moment.

The second verse is from Proverbs 22:6, it reads, "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."

A very familiar verse, but this one is rich with hope. The critical action of the father and leader is "training." Training is teaching behaviors over time. And I often wonder if the little people in my home appreciate my training. While I repeat, repeat, and repeat. And wonder if anything sticks. And it hit me this morning, that training is not only exhausting for the trainee but sometimes is exhausting for the trainer, the leader, and the parent. And yes, we all get tired of training our kids, but while it is exhausting, it appears that Proverbs 22:6 says it will result in a payoff down the road - sometimes we don't see it. The key to this is to not give up as a trainer when my spirit is weak. So words like perseverance, endurance, and grit are sometimes needed as a word of encouragement for parents and leaders.

So today gentlemen whether you are a son, leader, or father there is something here for you to consider today. Lead moment to moment today, give attention to your voice and preserve and join with me in building better men.

Two things for you today.
First, if you want to take these thoughts further follow the link provided and there are some reflection and small group discussion questions you can use on your own or with other men.

Second, if you are looking for a Men's Daily Devo, then you need to go to the link today. Every day we send out a short email with a scripture, thought, and action to keep you fueled by God's word.

Love you guys, and I will see you back here next week, from Vail, Colorado. Till then -- be resolute.