Spiritual ARChitects

A 21st Century real life “Noah and the Ark” would no doubt be media coverage filled with overbearing humor and outrageous sarcasm. The movie industry already conveyed such a picture some years back in the comedy “Evan Almighty,” where Steve Carell stars as a resistant and disbelieving Congressman from Buffalo who finally accepts the radical job of a modern day Noah. However, this illustrative childhood Bible story has a powerful challenge to the fathers of our culture. Genesis chapters 6 through 9 give us the account. But near the end of the New Testament in the book of Hebrews chapter 11, verse 7 alludes to the historical narrative with one profound sentence: “By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family.”

I believe that the nature of fatherhood has everything to do with being spiritual architects – building homes that will ride above the rising tide of evil in our world.

We are literally surrounded by secular, social and cultural influences, such as the dissolving of the family unit, promiscuity among teens and young adults, and anti-biblical themes on television, in movies and within the lyrics of popular songs. Dads, if there has ever been a time to look to the Blueprints, to set out our tools, to sharpen our saws and put our heart into building a household of faith, it’s now. Oh sure, make no mistake about it, there will be times when you will feel like you are hammering all alone…when other fathers and families are allowing their children to drift from safety. But just remember Noah and his endeavor to follow the instructions and logic of his God. When no other father believed, he did. When everyone laughed and thought he was crazy and unrealistic, he continued on.

Here are a few suggestions in building and maintaining your household of faith:
1. Establish convictions for your household.
2. Exemplify humility and kindness while being vocal and firm in standing for those convictions.
3. Enforce discipline in a heart to bring restorative correction.
4. Encourage the exercise of right decision-making.
5. Experience the grace and strength that only comes from a daily relationship with Father God.

The role of dads in the home will determine to a great degree whether the family will surf or sink. Noah was building a spiritual ark before he ever received directions to build a physical one. So, fellow dad, consider the challenge that surrounds your own personal family and, even if your diligent pounding sounds the loudest, KEEP HAMMERING…in an attitude of unquenchable love and humble authority…so as to save your own family.