stephen R Harrison

Train a child in the way he should go,and when he is old he will not turn from it. – Proverbs 22:6

My dad did a great job of discipling me in the Lord. He not only took me to church, but he was often my Sunday School teacher. At home, we studied the Scriptures. I participated in several church programs that helped us learn God’s Word. In early elementary school, we memorized sections of the Bible I can still recite today: the books of the Bible, Psalms 1, 23, and 100, the Ten Commandments, the names of the disciples, and the Beatitudes. In older elementary, we learned where to find topics, names of people, Scriptures, and doctrines through Bible Sword Drill. When he wasn’t working, he would come to my room, teach me the Word, and pray with me.

He modeled how to be a faithful and hard worker. He held the same job for 40 years, and I never recall him calling in sick. He arrived early and often worked overtime to provide for us. He raised acres of vegetable gardens and taught me to do the same. We would harvest and sell what we didn’t freeze and can for our family. He taught me to live on one income, save, and be generous. He modeled tithing every Sunday by writing a check to the church at the kitchen table. 

My dad taught me to love others. He served his neighbors practically. We often gave money, food, and time to help those who needed it. He taught me to be responsible. When I broke a lamp while horseplaying, I had to earn money to replace it. When I started mowing yards, he took $2 out of the $10 I made for each yard and ensured I tithed $1. He taught me to change my oil, change a tire, balance a checkbook, sharpen lawnmower blades, and many other everyday chores. 

He taught me how to love my wife and kids. He was affectionate. He often said, “I love you,” and showed it with hugs, conversation, provision, and recreation. He taught me to be faithful to my wife as he cared for her through Parkinson’s for the last ten years of their 60 years of marriage. He modeled unconditional love as he helped his oldest daughter through drug abuse. He modeled selflessness by adopting my sister and me when most people began to enjoy grandkids. Most importantly, my dad taught me to love Jesus. He could often be found reading his Bible, even attempting to do so a few days before he passed. I read Psalms 1, 23, and 100 to him the night before he died. 

Solomon said, “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6). My dad was a Proverbs 22 man. He modeled Christlikeness and taught us how to have a relationship with Jesus and live out His Word. He discipled us, knowing “Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline will drive it far from them (15). He was the Proverbs 22 man: he had a good name (1), was prudent (3), humble (4), generous (9), pure (11), and gracious (11). He was a good father. I pray I’ve been a good father as well. 

Questions to Ponder

1. What do you think is the most necessary quality of a father?
2. If you are a father (or answer for the future), what areas of Proverbs 22 do you need to grow in?
3. What verse stands out the most to you?
4. What other questions came to mind?

Actions to Take

1. What qualities of your father can you replicate now with your family?
2. What qualities of your father do you need to improve upon or avoid?
3. Read Proverbs 22. What other words of advice speak to you concerning parenting?

Scriptures to Read

Proverbs 6:20, 13:24, 14:26, 19:18, 29:17

Prayers to Pray

Jesus, help me be a good dad. Thank you for my dad. I pray I will model the qualities found in Proverbs 22 to my children in a way that causes them to follow Jesus and raise children who do the same. Help me be humble, generous, kind, and loving with my kids. Help me be a spiritual dad to others who may not have a godly father. In Jesus’ name, Amen.