I'm Gonna Be Like You Dad

The song “Cat’s in the Cradle” has been used over the years as an anthem of overworking. Of being so consumed by our work that we miss out on life. The line I’m writing about today is the young son’s reply to his father’s business: “I’m gonna be like you, Dad, you know I’m gonna be like you.”

Hopefully, we got the message and learned to slow down and look at what’s important. In John 5:19-21, Jesus gives us an accurate picture of what a father-son relationship should look like. “Jesus replies, “Truly I tell you, the Son is not able to do anything on His own, but only what He sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, the Son likewise does these things.” Let's stop here and think about what He is saying. Sons idolize their fathers, good or bad. Working in the public school system with children, I saw both sides.

As a new teacher, I was excited to be in my classroom and wanted to implement “The Daily News.” I had seen this in other classes and thought it was an excellent way for the students to speak and write in complete sentences. It also helps build ownership because their words would be our lessons. Then one day, a student wanted to add their news. Unlike the usual news, my team won the ball game; we went skating; I’m going to the beach this weekend; this student’s sentence made me think twice about my lesson. The proud student’s sentence was, “My dad is getting out of jail tomorrow.”

While this was a significant milestone worthy of celebration, I didn’t believe it was something to go into our news. The Daily News ended with that edition. “For whatever the Father does.” Boys do what their fathers do. If a father plays ball, the sons will want to play ball. If the fathers go hunting or fishing, so will the sons. If the fathers teach their sons that they don’t have to respect authority, the sons won’t respect authority. I see this every day, and they watch and listen to us.

Proverbs 2:6 tells us the Lord (Our Father) gives wisdom; from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding. If the father prays with them, they will pray. If the fathers take them to church and read the Bible in front of others, they will go to church and read the Bible. Verse 20, “For the Father loves the Son and shows him everything He is doing.”

So dads and moms, love as the Father loves. Teach as the Father teaches. Be the role model your children can look up to and respect. Bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord” Ephesians 6:4. Training them to do all that is right.