BIBLICAL FATHERHOOD--THE GREAT NEED OF THE WORLD 5) THE SHEPHERDING FATHER DOES NOT SHOW FAVORITISM.

Men, do any of our children lack for the need of discipline? Do they lack for the need of encouragement? Do they lack for the need of our interest in their lives? In His love and mercy, our Great Shepherd attends to every need of each one of His sheep and lambs.

In order to avoid envy and jealousy a wise father will be careful not to show favoritism towards one child as opposed to the others. One member of the family may demand more attention that the others, perhaps in a negative sense. However, a wise father will not neglect the individual needs of any child in his family. In some cases of extreme necessity, such as a special needs situation, this is easier said than done, and we must show loving understanding in such cases.

As fathers, we are under shepherds of the Great Shepherd, and should seek to emulate His example. How easy it is, even for pastors, to give too much attention to some people, at the expense of others who may not be grasping for attention.

It is true that the Great Shepherd does reward some of His sheep more than others, primarily because of their loving obedience to the Shepherd's voice. And I think that reward for good behavior is very appropriate to each one of our own children who deserve it.

One of the greatest needs of all children is to receive encouragement from their fathers.

Be encouraged.

Colin Campbell