Listen to your Father ...

On an episode of the iconic “Sanford and son” (The Card Sharps, a 1972 episode), Lamont gets involved in a card game with three shady characters. Fred quickly recognizes that these dudes are about to take advantage of his grown, but somehow childish son! Now Fred, like Lucy of I Love Lucy, had a particular knack for getting into the most humorous and idiotic situations (sitcom), but many times, they were able to come out shining. This time the egg would be on Lamont’s face … if he didn’t heed the voice of his father. Fred tries with comedic acumen to keep Lamont from playing a losing hand … dealt with marked cards, but his antics fail. The hand is played, the other guys win, Lamont is broke i.e. a “Broke Dummy” according to Fred! He should have listened! Well, he didn’t. Now it was time for “Father knows best”! He sends Lamont out on an errand and turns the tables on those “Card Sharps”. You know the “G” in Fred G. Sanford stands for “Gambler” right?! Well, by the time he gets back, Lamont’s “friends” are speeding away with empty pockets and embarrassed feelings! The look on Lamont’s face says it all “Gee, I should have listened to pops!”

Let’s get a CLUE …

Proverbs 1:8a “Listen, my son, to your father's instruction” (NIV)

The book of Proverbs is written to instruct the young (man), the kings, and all leaders. Elements for these can be found throughout the book. The writer was not interested in the status quo but with the receiving of wisdom and in the getting of “understanding”. He knew that the acquiring the “principal thing” would go farther than any degree, fame, or fortune that one could amass in a life time.

The key verse in the book: Proverbs 4:7 “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” (KJV)

In today’s world the father or father figure is an enigma to many, but rest assured that the father is alive and well among us! God’s word declares that the father is to be the central figure in the home, a leader of his family, and a staple in the community. He was to be listened to (Prov. 4:1), He was to correct (Prov. 3:12), He was not to be cursed (Prov. 20:20), and He was to be considered even when the son made friends (Prov. 28:7). We have traveled light years from that standard in some circles, but among God’s people, the father still strives!

You may not know or have an earthly father to share this coming Father’s Day with … perhaps he has been selected to go on ahead of you to enter the rest from his labors. Maybe you have an estranged relationship with him. That’s reality. However, an even greater reality is the relationship you can and hopefully do have with your Heavenly Father. That relationship never ends, not in this life or in the next. Every day with God is Father’s Day because every day he provides, protects, and is present … always. 

What does the Heavenly Father want? He wants what all fathers want … to be listened to! To be taken seriously. To be honored and respected, not because He knows it all, because he’s your Father! Lamont should’ve listened to his father. He would’ve been much happier many of the times … but he often didn’t. We should listen to our heavenly Father. He cares for us. He prepares for us. He is there for us! Now, I don’t think our Father in heaven would ever call us a “Broke Dummy” … but when I think of all the times I didn’t listen to him, I sure felt like one! I’m thankful for my Heavenly Father’s grace, mercy, and longsuffering! Thank God for fathers. Thank God for … God!

You have the CLUE!