Life Lessons I Have Learnt from My Father

Fathers have years of experience their children can learn from to grow. On this Father’s Day today, I want to share 4 things I have  learnt from my father about being a man and living life well.

As a student of life, I always learn from other people. King Solomon of ancient Israel said that he went to the farm of the lazy man and saw it was overtaken by weeds. Then he took notice that a little sleep and a little slumber and poverty will pounce on you. (Proverbs 24:33-34)

After reading, feel free to share what you have learnt from your father.

#1. STRENGTH: Be Strong As A Man

One day when I was in university, I ran out of money. I called my Dad and he promised to remit me cash later. I wanted him to do it right away. He told me something I will never forget: ‘Eric, be strong as a man’.

I learnt from this that I was not growing any younger and I needed to be strong. The Apostle Paul writing to the church at Philippi said that he can do all things through Christ who strengthens him (Philippians 4:13). He can live in lack or abundance through Him who strengthens him. As a man, I have learnt from my father to be strong spiritually, mentally, and emotionally to prepare myself for the changing phases of life.

#2. BUSINESS: Do Something For Yourself

My Dad has been a pharmacist all his life. He started with another profession and veered into pharmaceutical work. He has been managing his small ‘drug store’ (we affectionately call it so) all these years to fend for himself and the family.

I have learnt that a man must be enterprising. We must develop ways to be productive and get money in our pocket. Proverbs 27:23-27 encourages us to diligently take care of our business and our business will take care of us. Anytime I have nothing in my pocket, I think of ideas I can implement to get cash in my pocket. Paul says that if a man cannot take care of his home, he is worse than an unbeliever. (1 Timothy 5:8)

#3. ATTITUDE: Always Work Hard

My Dad has never been a lazy man. He used to go on ‘trek’ to take care of his patients in nearby communities as a pharmacist. Every dawn, I saw my Dad wake up to go to work. When he returns, he will take over the affairs of his business at the store. There is no place for laziness in his life.

My father taught me about having a positive attitude to life and work. If for nothing at all, I want to be a hard worker in my youth so that when I am weak, I can reap from my years of hard labour. Hard work does not kill people. Laziness rather is a disease that eats up every life in us and renders us powerless. I hold to the conviction that whatever my hands find to do, I must do it with all my might. (Ecclesiastes 9:10) 

#4. FAITH: Believe In God

My Dad has not been a strong Christian but he never frustrated any of us from placing our faith firmly in Christ Jesus and living for Him. When I first shared the gospel with him, he felt I should share it with all my other siblings. At another time he mentioned that he was proud that my senior brother and I have become preachers of the gospel.

The last lesson I have learnt is to encourage my children to serve God well. Joshua said that as for him and his house, they will serve the Living God of Israel. (Joshua 24:15) If you are a man or woman, draw a line and make a long lasting commitment to the Lord to serve Him and live for Him. Our lives are restless without God.

There you go: 4 lessons I have picked from my father. I am sure when you observe the life of your Daddy, you can glean useful lessons to help you live well unto God. You can also avoid the mistakes they made.

May the Lord bless our fathers and grant them health to live long.

What have you learnt from your father? Feel free to share it here.