best father ever

The best father of all time? That’s an easy one: Atticus Finch, as played by Gregory Peck in Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird.”

Remember the movie? Peck’s character is kind, patient, loving, principled and all around awesome. Simply put, he’s the kind of dad I’ve always wanted to be but wasn’t.

If you’re a father and have seen the movie you know what I mean. If I’m honest, even on my best days I couldn’t hold a candle to Atticus. When it comes to dads, he’s the bomb.

Well, let me clarify that last statement: He’s the best when it comes to human beings. The ultimate role model is, of course, our heavenly Father.

In fact, here are seven reasons why our Father in heaven is—and will always be—the all-time champ when it comes parenting.

1.      He loves us

“How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!”1

2.      He saves us

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”2

3.      He forgives us

“For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”3

4.      He has fellowship with us

“We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.”4

5.      He meets our needs

“So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”5

6.      He comforts us in all our troubles

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles.”6

7.      He has blessed our socks off

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.”7

So there it is: The “w” goes to our heavenly Father, hands down. While I love and respect you, Atticus, the Creator of the universe goes home with the prize.

The best Father of all time? I change my answer. My Father in heaven is my main man.

1  1 John 3:1

2  1 Peter 1:3

3  Matt 6:14

4  1 John 1:3

5  Matt 6:30-33

6  2 Cor 1:3

7  Eph 1:3

on ministry

Sometimes I wonder if there’s something wrong with me.

Being a pastor is the most frustrating, challenging and draining thing I’ve ever done. Yet, I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.

What’s wrong with me?

Today has been especially taxing: I have a splitting headache and everything that can go wrong has gone wrong. Even though I’m supposed to be studying for a sermon, I’ve had a flurry of phone calls from people wanting all kinds of things from me.

I have absolutely, positively nothing else to give today. And I’m about to lose my mind. Yet, I wouldn’t want to be doing anything else.

What’s wrong with me?

After all, I’ve had some really good jobs and have worked at some really cool places. In fact, I made a list of all the places I’ve ever worked, from the age of 16 until now:

·         medical school

·         restaurant

·         car dealer

·         auto detail shop

·         florist

·         gas station

·         advertising agency

·         professional soccer team

·         botanical garden

·         sports auditorium and opera house

·         hospital

Did I have some rotten bosses at those jobs? Yep. And were there unreasonable expectations from time-to-time? You bet. And were there times of frustration and stress? Absolutely.

And yet, there were some positively exhilarating moments. For instance, delivering flowers to people was an incredible blessing—I loved being the bearer of good news.  And coordinating the introduction of professional soccer players with 18,000 people in the stands and a live television audience watching never got old.

It was also a blast wining and dining media big shots and then driving them around breath-taking gardens as if they were my own. Being backstage for professional orchestra performances and ballets was a wonderful treat as well. And then there was the thrill of meeting people from all over the world and seeing their lives changed by some eye-popping medical care.

To be sure, I’ve done some really cool things and worked at some very interesting places.

So why would I choose ministry over any of those other things? What is wrong with me?

It all boils down to three things. And you know what? After the day I’ve had I need this reminder.

1.      I believe this is what God has called and equipped me to do.

2.      I can’t think of anything more important than what I’m doing.

3.      Ministry is the most satisfying thing I’ve ever done or could do.

So there you have it: Despite one of the most frustrating, challenging and draining days I’ve ever had, ministry is still my number one choice.

Is there something wrong with me? Absolutely. Do you have a couple of hours? But when it comes to ministry, well, here I am and here I’ll stay.

I know what I said earlier, but the fact is ministry is a blessing not a burden. And I’m deeply grateful for the privilege and responsibility that my heavenly Father has given me.

“Praise be to the God and Father of (my) Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed (me) in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.1

1  Ephesians 1:3