Read:
Esther 4:14 “For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
Think:
Paul Harvey shared a humorous anecdote that highlights how children often emulate the behavior they observe from their role models. In the story, Grey Baker takes his three-year-old grandson, Trevor, golfing in Jackson, Mississippi. Trevor had been learning the game by watching his grandfather, and Grandpa Baker even bought him a set of play golf clubs. During a family cookout, Trevor proudly exclaimed, "Watch me!" before proceeding to throw his club into a pear tree and utter a bad word.
In contrast to this lighthearted tale, the Bible features a man who consciously decided to be a godly father and serve as an adoptive dad to his orphaned cousin, Esther. Mordecai stands out as a father who instilled courage in his daughter, who went on to become a heroine in her own right. The story of Esther, as told in the small book of the same name, demonstrates how a father's character can impact his child's development. By teaching Esther to take a stand at the right time and do the right thing, Mordecai prepared her for the challenges she would face later in life.
It is important to remember that a crisis does not create character, but rather reveals it. Esther's bravery and faith were influenced by her father's teachings and the example he set for her. Mordecai understood that the decisions he made as a father would help shape his daughter's moral compass and prepare her to make godly decisions in the future.
Apply:
Decide today what kind of role model you will be. Be involved and active, leading your children in worship and biblical activities. Honor Jesus with your words.
Pray:
God, help me be the parent that I need to be to raise godly young men and women. Help me to focus on long-term parenting goals and not get sidetracked by short-term feelings. In Jesus' name, Amen.