Going Back to Your Roots

MEMORY VERSE:

“Listen to your father

who gave you life.”

Proverbs 23:22a

MEN’S NET

INTRODUCTION:

As we reach the age of maturity, we like to manage things on our own. When we make major decisions, our fathers willingly give their advice. In our attempt to show independence, their words of wisdom fall on deaf ears. Can we totally move ahead when we don’t get back to our roots?

I. Transition in life causes the adult to break free from the father’s shelter.

· Adults rely on their own resources.

· Adults rely on their own knowledge.

II. Christian adults go back to their roots.

· They acknowledge that their life and nurture came from their fathers.

· They keep their ears open to their fathers’ advice.

III. God blesses adults who bless their fathers.

· They live a long life.

· They live a satisfied life.

CONCLUSION:

Adulthood entails a considerable degree of independence from the father’s nurture. Christian adults do not forget the person who gave them life. They still

listen to their fathers. God blesses them with long and satisfied life.

REFLECTION: Let us ask ourselves the following questions:

· Can I now rely on my own finances, talents, and skills without the aid

of my father?

— If so, do I feel proud?

· Can I now make major decisions on my own?

— Do I still consult my father?

— Why? If not, why not?

· Do I remember that my life came from my father?

— Do I acknowledge that I’m not here if not of him?

— Why? If not, why not?

· Do I listen to father’s advice?

— Why? If not, why not?

· Does God bless me with satisfied life?

APPLICATION:

— prayer of commitment –

Dear God, thank You for giving me a father who gave me life on this earth. God, teach me to listen to my father’s advice. I know that if I live in obedience to my father, I will live a long and satisfied life. Thank You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

— statement of commitment —

Whenever my father gives counsel, I will listen to him. I will ask God to help me acknowledge that he gave me life and nurture. I will ask God to keep me from being proud and reliant only on my own strength and knowledge. I will ask God to teach me how to get back to my roots.

CLOSING PRAYER