Often I have run around, 'doing' ministry, while my children flounder in a sea of paternal neglect. But as I read the Shema , I realize that if I succeed in the ministry, but fail at home, then I fail. God holds me accountable for my family first, ministry second. Again, the Shema lays out a tidy agenda for fathers. His duty is not solely to rescue his wife from certain insanity every evening by becoming a surrogate screamer as his hoarsey spouse recoupes in the kitchen.
Biblical fatherhood is more than yelling and swatting.
In fact, it is quite different from that. We are to have a positive influence on our children by training them, in words and behavior, in the ways of God. Even teaching them good morals is hardly adequate. For the past several years I have taken this responsibility quite seriously. At times, too seriously.