Fatherhood

Did you know that according to the National Fatherhood Initiative, there are estimated to be 19.7 million children without a father in their home? That means 1 in every 4 children are without a father. As we celebrate Father’s Day across this nation, I am reminded of how important the father’s role in today’s society has become. Even though the Baby Boomer fathers had a hands-off approach to parenting, at least the fathers were there for their families. However, I have witnessed a positive difference in fatherhood in our young fathers within the church and within my small circle of life. Your generation is truly stepping up and making a difference in the future of this nation, as well as investing in our childrens’ future.   

As I commend you all for being a vital part of your children’s development to adulthood, we need to look into GOD’S Word for the building blocks to develop the next generation of Christians. In Psalms 127:3-5 we are told that “children are a heritage from the Lord” and with that heritage comes great responsibilities; Responsibilities to fear the LORD, to love, to be of good works, to teach and to be strong.

FEAR THE LORD – Proverbs 14: 26-27 “In the fear of the Lord there is strong confidence, And His children will have a place of refuge.  The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to turn one away from the snares of death.”  We must respect our Heavenly FATHER (Hebrews 12:9) in everything we do, for to fear the LORD is to be blessed (Psalm 128:4).  But to fear the LORD, we must choose who our house will serve (Joshua 24:15). ·     

LOVE – When asked “What is the greatest commandment of the law?” in Matthew 22:37-40 “Jesus said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.  This is the first and great commandment.  And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.  On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”  Love is the foundation of our Salvation (John 3:16) and should be the root of Fatherhood. In Ephesians 5:25 we are told “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church..”  It is that love that binds you as a unit to raise the child in truth.  Further down in Ephesians 6:4, we are told “fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.”  To love our children, we must have pity for them (Psalm 103:13) as the LORD pities those who fear HIM, we must always correct the child in love (Proverbs 3:11-12) and we must always forgive, as the prodigal son (Luke 15:20-24) received forgiveness from his father and we receive forgiveness from our Heavenly Father.

GOOD WORKS – Titus 2:6-8 “Likewise, exhort the young men to be sober-minded,  in all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility,  sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you.”  To be a good father, you must be a good role model and that requires a “pattern of good works.”  So what does it mean to have “good works?” As we read earlier; we should strive for integrity, reverence, incorruptibility and sound speech (Titus 2:7-8). Further, we need only look at the qualifications of a Deacon (1 Timothy 3:8-9) to learn what it takes to “serve” and use that servitude in our role as an earthly father. Proverbs 10:9 states “He who walks with integrity walks securely…”  Be secured in your walk with the Lord.  

TEACH – Deuteronomy 6:4-7, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one!  You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart.  You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up.” There is no greater responsibility an earthly father has than to teach their children to love their Heavenly FATHER. This may be the toughest challenge we may face as a father, but will be the most rewarding event when your child receives everlasting life. If you have ever attended our Daycare graduation, you likely have heard Proverbs 22:6  “Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it” recited.  But I would challenge you further by quoting from Matthew 18:6 “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”  A Father must NEVER be a stumbling block to their kids.

BE STRONG – 1 Corinthians 13:13-14, “Watch, stand fast in the faith, be brave, be strong.  Let all that you do be done with love.”  Throughout their young lives, your children are going to look to you for safety and strength. Shakespeare once wrote “uneasy is the head that wears a crown.”  As the head of the household, you are entrusted with a great deal of responsibilities.  However, in Joshua 1:9 we are reminded that we are not in this alone, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."   In HIS words, we need only be strong knowing the LORD is with us and do everything in the essence of love (1 Corinthians 13:13-14). In addition, you need only look to your fellow brothers in Christ for support whenever you need it.

In 3 John 1:4, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”  This one verse should be your power verse when you feel fatherhood is too overwhelming and you don’t have the strength to carry on. Remember, the LORD is with you and you must stay strong for your children’s future.

I wish you all a Happy Father’s Day, I pray you cherish every moment of their childhood and you “train them up in the way they should go”.