Mark 15.21 observes he was the father of Alexander and Rufus.

Simon of Cyrene, referenced as a passer-by in the Scriptures, probably a businessman on a mission but possibly a religious man on vacation to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover, was forced by the Romans to carry the cross of Jesus.

This chance encounter with Jesus changed Simon’s life resulting in his eternal destiny moving from hell to heaven.

We know this because the Scripture indicates he was the father of two boys who would later become integral members of the Church.

How did these boys become committed to Jesus Christ? Undoubtedly it was through the testimony of their father whose life was so transformed that they too became lovers of Jesus.

I turned 50 yesterday and how should I or any Christian man measure the success of his life? It should be measured by that which God will also use to measure men for both rewarding him with heaven and in heaven.

Any other means of measurement seems foolish but that which God uses to measure a man.

What is that means of measurement by which God will hold all men accountable?

First is faithfulness to Him and second is faithfulness to instruct his children to likewise love Jesus with all their heart, soul, mind and strength.

We call God Father because that is how He wants us to relate to Him.

So too He demands all fathers to raise children to know Him and to love Him.

The measurement of our success is how well our children are loving and serving God – this is the true measure of a man.