It’s a concept that is observed in almost every discipline of science: in biology, physics, astronomy and other areas things naturally flow in the path of least resistance. What is true in the physical sciences is also true in the social sciences, especially in the relationship between a father and his children.
There’s a story tucked away in the records of the kings of Israel (see 1 Kings 15:33-16:3) in which Baasha comes to the throne, and immediately kills all of the descendants of Jeroboam, a previous king. Baasha is not only removing potential rivals to his kingship, but he is also bringing punishment on a family which had caused Israel to sin. But then Baasha walks in the exact same sinful path as Jeroboam!
A prophet was sent to confront Baasha. His name was Jehu son of Hanani. Hanani was the prophet God sent to Asa, king of Judah. In other words, Jehu is following in the same path of his father Hanani.
Two sons, both with free wills to choose their own path, and yet both of them chose the path their fathers set for them.
Children can choose their own path, but the path of least resistance is the path the father walks.
Notice I said “walks” (present tense). I’ve seen in both the Bible and in the lives of people around me, that a Dad who starts out well but finishes poorly, sets a path for his children that is away from God. But those Dads who start out poorly, but turn to God later in life, set a path for their children to pursue God.
Dad, the best time for you to set the path for your children is now … today!
The good news is that you don’t have to do this on your own. Jesus said that even us Dads who are sinful have figured out how to give our children the best that we can. If we sinful Dads have figured that out, Jesus said, “How much more will your Father in Heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!” (see Luke 11:11-13).
Your Heavenly Father wants to give You His Holy Spirit to help you set the right path for your kids. And He wants to give His Holy Spirit to your children to help them choose—and stay in—that right path.
Why does God want you and your kids in the right path? So He can pour out the best gifts on you! For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right (Psalm 84:11).
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you set a righteous path for your kids today!
Craig T. Owens 