Secrets of a Successful Father
from the testimony of a grateful son
Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged” (Colossians 3:21).
Former Florida Senator
Daniel Webster
My father, Daniel Webster, has been a godly example to me as I have had the privilege of observing him first hand. My dad has lived out this verse in front of me my entire life in three ways.
First, my father has learned how to conquer anger, and according to Proverbs that is the key to keep from stirring up anger in another person. (Proverbs 15:18) My dad lives in victory over anger because he has learned to yield his rights. In fact, the most visible right that my father has relinquished is the right to be heard. He will seek to earn a hearing with someone rather than demand one. I believe that I can say truthfully, that my dad has never in my life, provoked me to anger. On the contrary, he has encouraged and discipled me how to overcome anger by yielding rights in my own life.
God rewards humility! In 2005, the Florida Legislature designated a local highway
as the Daniel Webster Western Beltway
in recognition of more than 25 years
of legislative service. Daniel Webster
is pictured above with family and friends
next to the dedication plaque.
Secondly, Dad vigorously exercises himself in seeking to practice humility. A prideful person will most certainly bring strife. (Proverbs 13:10) I have seen my Dad on numerous occasions give honor to others instead of accepting it for himself.
An example of this is the “disclaimer” that my dad put in his bio which states “Any accomplishment that I have achieved is only because of the investment of God and others in my life”.
Finally, and most importantly, my dad spends much time deepening his relationship with Jesus Christ, specifically in the area of prayer. I do not believe that my father could daily practice meekness and humility if it were not for the fact that he spends quality time in prayer. He firmly believes that it is not that he is something extraordinary, but that God has answered his prayers and has displayed his victorious power in his life.
As a young man I should ask myself three questions. Am I a man who has conquered anger? Am I a humble man? Am I a man of prayer? And if I am a young lady, I should ask myself some similar questions. Is the man that I am seeking to be the father of my children a humble and meek man? Does he spend time cultivating his relationship with Jesus Christ? May we all gain a meek and quiet spirit as we seek to love Jesus Christ with all our hearts!
—by Jordan Webster
Used by permission.
The above testimony was originally posted on livingthejourney.com
January 2010
