From the Pastor's Desk (June 2025)
“…whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks, or the church of God – even as I try to please everyone in
every way. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, so that they may be saved. Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." ~1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1
I am not sure how I missed this over the last three decades of my life, but in 1994, Philips, Craig, and Dean came out with a powerful song that I heard just yesterday (as I am writing this) for the very first time (at least that I can remember). Perhaps it was time for me to hear it, but it’s too powerful not to share with you in hopes that you all can get something out of this, too. Maybe and hopefully, it will change the way you look at, lead, and treat others – be it your own children, or anyone else you encounter in this life.
The song begins with an image that becomes routine for many fathers (and mothers), and perhaps at the end of a long day, it is taken for granted and seen as a celebratory moment as the day ends and a couple of hours of private quiet time begins. It’s the moment when we lay our precious children down, give them the kiss that means everything to them, a hug, hopefully a prayer, and the final goodnight wishes as they prepare to drift off to sleep. As parents tell me, only as kids get older and they no longer require that, do we tend to wish we would have cherished those moments more when we could have. In the song, as this special moment takes place, the father hears his child say the words every parent longs to hear: I want to be like you. These simple, precious words cause a moment of self-reflection in this dad, as it should for every one of us, and it leads him to the following chorus:
Lord, I want to be just like You
'Cause he wants to be just like me
I want to be a holy example
For his innocent eyes to see
Help me be a living Bible, Lord
That my little boy can read
I want to be just like You
'Cause he wants to be like me
You can’t listen to this song as a father without tears coming to your eyes as you make this your wish as a parent. We must make the moments we have as fathers and mothers count, endeavoring to achieve the ultimate goal of raising children that will be just like us, with the understanding that we are to be just like our Father in Heaven, following the example that was set through His Son, Jesus.
It is admittedly challenging to write articles for special days of the year that are not all-inclusive. What single person wants to read a Valentine’s Day message, or what man or woman who is not a parent wants to read a Mother’s Day or Father’s Day message? But this one is important for all, for if we heed the words of Paul above, you do not need to be a parent to have someone look up to you because you take the time to care. You have the power to be a positive influence in someone’s life, someone who wants to be just like you,
especially if they see Christ living in you. May we all find that one special person, even if we don’t have that already as a parent. To the fathers out there, Happy Father’s Day!
~Pastor Eric
every way. For I am not seeking my own good, but the good of many, so that they may be saved. Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." ~1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1
I am not sure how I missed this over the last three decades of my life, but in 1994, Philips, Craig, and Dean came out with a powerful song that I heard just yesterday (as I am writing this) for the very first time (at least that I can remember). Perhaps it was time for me to hear it, but it’s too powerful not to share with you in hopes that you all can get something out of this, too. Maybe and hopefully, it will change the way you look at, lead, and treat others – be it your own children, or anyone else you encounter in this life.
The song begins with an image that becomes routine for many fathers (and mothers), and perhaps at the end of a long day, it is taken for granted and seen as a celebratory moment as the day ends and a couple of hours of private quiet time begins. It’s the moment when we lay our precious children down, give them the kiss that means everything to them, a hug, hopefully a prayer, and the final goodnight wishes as they prepare to drift off to sleep. As parents tell me, only as kids get older and they no longer require that, do we tend to wish we would have cherished those moments more when we could have. In the song, as this special moment takes place, the father hears his child say the words every parent longs to hear: I want to be like you. These simple, precious words cause a moment of self-reflection in this dad, as it should for every one of us, and it leads him to the following chorus:
Lord, I want to be just like You
'Cause he wants to be just like me
I want to be a holy example
For his innocent eyes to see
Help me be a living Bible, Lord
That my little boy can read
I want to be just like You
'Cause he wants to be like me
You can’t listen to this song as a father without tears coming to your eyes as you make this your wish as a parent. We must make the moments we have as fathers and mothers count, endeavoring to achieve the ultimate goal of raising children that will be just like us, with the understanding that we are to be just like our Father in Heaven, following the example that was set through His Son, Jesus.
It is admittedly challenging to write articles for special days of the year that are not all-inclusive. What single person wants to read a Valentine’s Day message, or what man or woman who is not a parent wants to read a Mother’s Day or Father’s Day message? But this one is important for all, for if we heed the words of Paul above, you do not need to be a parent to have someone look up to you because you take the time to care. You have the power to be a positive influence in someone’s life, someone who wants to be just like you,
especially if they see Christ living in you. May we all find that one special person, even if we don’t have that already as a parent. To the fathers out there, Happy Father’s Day!
~Pastor Eric
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