Lessons from Dad

     Today is Father’s Day.  A holiday that reminds us to celebrate the first man to invest in our lives.  I realize many have a father wound because of an absent, broken or even an evil father, but that is not most of us.  Many of us have fathers that we think of and smile.  Many have memories of him coaching your teams, taking you hunting and fishing and teaching you many skills.  I learned a great deal from my dad; a lengthy book would be a more appropriate vehicle to share what I have learned from him.  But in a nutshell, he taught me the following:
     First, he taught me the value of steadfast faithfulness.  Faithfulness is an important fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22). My father was not flashy or dramatic, he was consistent and faithful.  He was married to my mom 55 years before he died.  He served the same church as the minister of adult education for 43 years.  My teen years were scarred by some church hurt.  I watched many church leaders fall, adulterous affairs, pastors losing their faith etc., but not dad.  He slowly, methodically moved forward in life keeping his commitments and walking out his faith. 
     Second, he taught me to live out my mission (Ephesians 2:10).  We did not have a lot of money when I was growing up.  When I was a senior in college, I told him that I was going to become a minister like him. One of the first things he said to me was “settle the money issue.”  He wanted me to be aware that if I worked for the church or non-profit organizations, that I would most likely be paid less than the business world or academia and I would have to consistently sacrifice to remain in those positions.  But I have found living out my mission has been worth it.
     Third, he taught me that adversity is part of life.  I remember after one of my first sermons in the church in Indiana, an elderly man met me at the back of the sanctuary and said, “If you keep preaching that *#*#*, I’m leaving this church.” That shocked me and hurt my feelings.  I called my father, a seasoned minister at the time, for some comfort.  He laughed and said, “Son, welcome to the ministry.”  I learned from him that to be a leader is to deal with criticism.  Once he even told me, “Don’t immediately dismiss your critics, sometimes they are the only ones telling you the truth.”  To lead any organization is to occasionally have to lean into conflict.
     Fourth, he taught me to be a lifelong learner.  My father read widely and voraciously.  I learned to do the same.  He taught me to read across the spectrum.  While I mostly read the Bible and Christian books, I read through biographies and books by atheists and those with whom I strongly disagree.  He refused to live in the echo chamber of only hearing those who shared his views.  I have learned to listen carefully because of him.
     Finally, my dad loved Jesus Christ and devoted his life to serving him.  I learned from him that following Jesus is what is most important in life.  I have no doubt that he is enjoying heaven right now.  I am sure that he has heard God’s commendation “well done good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23).   I have resurrection confidence that I will see him again!  In essence, if I am half the man my father was and is, I have succeeded in life.  Thanks, dad, for a life well lived.
Pastor Derek Dickinson
Journey Christian Church