In the parable of The Prodigal Son, it gives fathers an awesome example of how to live with their sons. Forgiveness is big in this parable. All of us have done something wrong at one time or another and needed forgiveness and acceptance after we would have come tour senses. Fathers are encouraged to be the bigger person and ensure that his family get the nurturing needed to remain focused and doing the will of the Lord.

Ephesians 6:4 states, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” In bringing up our children, we should be fair, and we must as fathers ensure they are ready to go out into the work when the time is right and able to take care of themselves. We sometimes think that providing our children with money or nice things is all they need and forget that to nurture is to spend time with them.

The Bible also reminds in Proverbs 22: 6 “Train up a child in the way he should go, even when he is old, he will not depart from it.” We wish to encourage our men today to strengthen their relationships with the family especially our sons and let’s ensure that our leaders of tomorrow are strong we can pass the mantle and not be afraid that all will be lost. We can discipline your son while there is hope, and do not desire his death, set a good example, spend time with our son, develop shared interest, work together on a project, listen, communicate, or have conversations.

Set a good example: In developing a bond with your son it helps in his becoming a man, thus the need is there for all Adventist Men to mentor the young men, especially those without fathers or positive role models in their lives. Young men watch everything their father does including how he treats his mother and how he may handle a conflict and bring resolve. A father’s influence has heavy weighting, and we need to all be aware of this and the relationship we have with our son and other children.

Spend time together: Make certain you allow for one-on one time together with your son. It lets you son know that he is important to you even in your busy day-to-day schedule. Attend 

PTA if he is a student, work on a hobby together, play a sport or even go to the beach and exercise together.

Develop a shared interest: There are times when a father/son relationship can be strained especially if you do not like the same things. Personally, for me, each child may have different like, so get excited for the things each of them love. Watch their programs, sports, or even listened to their music, so that you can be aware of what they listen to, there should be something you can find to have a shared interest without compromise of standards.

Work on something together: There’s so many projects you can work on together like yard cleaning or volunteerism in a community-based program or even plan an adventure or build something together.

Listen: From our sons and daughters are young we should listen to them, hear what they are saying they just may be trying to understand you better. Do not be judgmental of them and will encourage them to open. When you are supposed to be listening to them, please give your full attention, make eye contact, and do not interrupt or offer unwanted advice, the time will present itself.

Have conversations: Our children ae bombarded with negative stuff all around them and believe it or not they have so much on their minds that sometimes can weigh them down. As fathers, let’s find the time to talk to them about important matters like sex, relationships, money, social media peer pressure and their spirituality.

As men, our family should never feel like a prodigal or an outcast Let’s be the best husband, father, son, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin, neighbor, coworker, or whatever position we find ourselves in, be the best, as we lead our families and others to Jesus Christ!

--This article was written by Elder Curtis Bryan, Men’s Ministries Coordinator, South Bahamas Conference