He’d Grown Up Just Like Me!

Introduction:   

Lyrics:  Cats In The Cradle

Artist:  Harry Chapin, Album:  Cats In The Cradle

My child arrived just the other day

He came to the world in the usual way

But there were planes to catch and bills to pay

He learned to walk while I was away

And he was talkin’ ‘fore I knew it, and as he grew

He’d say “I’m gonna be like you Dad

You know I’m gonna be like you.”

 My son turned ten just the other day

He said, “Thanks for the ball, Dad, come on let’s play

Can you teach me to throw?” I said, “Not today.

I got a lot to do.”  He said, “That’s ok.”

And he walked away but his smile never dimmed

And said, “I’m gonna be like him, yeah

You know I’m gonna be like him.”

 Well, he came home from college just the other day

So much like a man I just had to say

“Son, I’m proud of you, can you sit for a while?”

He shook his head and said with a smile

“What I’d really like, Dad, is to borrow the car keys

See you later, can I have them please?”

 I’ve long since retired, my son’s moved away

I called him up just the other day

I said, “I’d like to see you if you don’t mind.”

He said, “I’d love to, Dad, if I can find the time

You see my new job’s a hassle and kids have the flu

But it’s sure nice talking to you, Dad

It’s been sure nice talking to you.”

 And as I hung up the phone it occurred to me

He’d grown up just like me

My boy was just like me.

 Chorus:

And the cat’s in the cradle and the silver spoon

Little boy blue and the man on the moon

“When you comin’ home Dad?”

“I don’t know when, but we’ll get together then son

You know we’ll have a good time then.”

 Theme:

  Fathers exert strong influence on their children, whether good or bad!

 Text:  Ephesians 6:4

“Do not exasperate your children.”  Kindly but earnestly train them to have self-control, self-respect, diligence, and faithfulness. 

Startling statistic:  Over one-half of America’s high-school age young people live in a “fatherless” home.  Some fathers may live in the house but not really be in the home!

 Fathers need to realize that they must make every effort to insure their influence is the best they can provide.

Example of positive influence:  Asa taught Jehoshaphat to do right.        II Chronicles 20:31-32 

Example of negative influence: Eli did not restrain his sons.                     I Samuel 3:11-13

 But How Can Fathers Do This? 

1. Deuteronomy 6:4-9   Fathers must teach diligently.  They must communicate Biblical truths in a clearly, understood way.         Use every opportunity to teach.
2. Deuteronomy 6:13-19   Fathers must practice discipline and tell the child why.  Ephesians 6:1-3   This prepares them for a well-lived life on earth and the privilege of possessing good land that was promised to the faithful.
3. Deuteronomy 6:20-25   Fathers must show their children by way of example the road to Heaven, the Promised Land.  Fathers must lead, they can’t push anymore than one can push a rope.  Neither can you push them into right living.  Isaiah 48:17
4. Deuteronomy 7:6-9   Fathers, love your children; not just when they are good, but always.  They are a special treasure given to you by God.  Note the meeting of Jacob and Esau in Genesis 33:5.
5. Deuteronomy 8:7-10   Fathers, bless your children in every way.  Nurture and care for them, provide important things in life.     Bless them with your time and attention.  “They need that one thousand times more than they need your money.” 

 Conclusion:

 Are you the kind of father your children really need?  If your son grows up to be the kind of man you are right now, what manner of man will he be?

 Bobby Stafford

April 1, 2012

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