I thought it was time to revisit the foundations of DadsUNI and to explain afresh the elements that make us who we are as an organisation. While in the role as Senior Pastor of a church on Australia’s Gold Coast in the 1990’s I received the idea and concept of Dadsuni whilst in prayer. Any God-given calling doesn’t merely reside in the mind as an idea only , but is ‘birthed in the spirit’ of the person ‘He’ has called to fulfill the work. In such a way God spoke to me and implanted a seed inside me which is constantly being watered and growing into a fruitful ministry. Today I’d like to speak about the first letter of our acronym UNI, and the word it stands for is Understanding.
Dads UNI is based upon the three foundational precepts of Understanding, Nurturing and Imparting. These three areas address the requirements of the mind, the emotions and the spirit of man and seek to bring them into a position where they can receive the fullness of God’s blessing and abundant life.
DadsUNI- Understanding
(Proverbs 2:1-5) My son, if you receive my words, and treasure my commands within you, So that you incline your ear to wisdom, and apply your heart to understanding; Yes, if you cry out for discernment, and lift up your voice for understanding, If you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures; Then you will understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God.
(Proverbs 21:30) There is no wisdom. or understanding, or counsel against the Lord.
(Psalm 127:3) Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward.
(John 15:13) Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.
Life in this world is about relationships. Our first relationship is with our parents and siblings in the family in which we were born, and it is here that we learn many of the keys to maintaining and building healthy relationships. Understanding the importance of showing respect and honour to each member of the family, and especially your parents is foundational in understanding how all relationships in life work.
The realisation that we all get offended at times by others and we also offend others is easily understood, because we are all individuals and think differently on many subjects. It is because of the proliferation of ‘offenses’ in life that we must master the life principle of giving and receiving forgiveness regularly. As we go through life the keys of respect, honour and forgiveness are outworked in our friendships at school, our relationship with our girlfriend and ultimately will be with our wife and family.
Those who fail to master these basic principles of how to relate to another human being will struggle to be truly successful throughout their lives, for it is within relationships that we find our greatest fulfilment and happiness. DadsUNI teaches that it is within our relationships that we find both our greatest blessings and our greatest challenges in life, and without doubt it is those fathers who lay down their own selfish desires and choose to serve that enjoy the experience most.
(Proverbs 12:22) Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truthfully are His delight.
(Galatians 6:7) Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.
There are many principles that are spoken of within God’s Word and they all apply within our lives as men and fathers. Daily study of the scriptures in the Bible gives many insights into both what is acceptable in the sight of God and what will benefit our lives as men here on the earth. God watches everything we do in life and He has set principles in motion that rebound back to us many of the acts we commit in life, whether they are positive or negative.
If we are kind to others we will also be shown kindness somewhere in our life, if we are generous toward those who are in need then God will not forsake us in our own time of need. If we forgive others of their errors and come to God humbly seeking His mercy then God will surely forgive us our errors too. But if we are harsh and cruel toward our fellow-man or devious and wicked in our hearts then we will reap the harvest of the destructive seeds we have sown and bring judgement down upon our own heads.
By understanding that God’s principles are established forever in the earth we as men can choose to walk in a way that will not only benefit us individually but also the children we are raising. DadsUNI upholds that in life it is always advantageous to do things God’s way that we may receive the fullness of the blessing He desires to give our family.
Acquiring an understanding heart is the foundation for receiving wisdom in every area of our lives, and especially in the areas of fatherhood. This is obtained through both loving and fearing God and putting His ways first in your life. Every other aspect of life falls into its proper place when this foundation stone is laid firmly in our heart as a man. To be the best man and father we can be in this world we need to seek daily to acquire an understanding mind and heart, and the blessings that they release into our family.
Warm Regards
John
Dadsuni
You may also find this teaching helpful:
http://dadsuni.com/the-process-of-forgiveness.html