We live in a world that is
in desperate need of fathers, both naturally and spiritually. Statistics in the
US show that today twenty-two million, or four out of every ten homes, is
fatherless. People are desperate for a father in their lives, someone they can
trust and to whom they can turn and know that they will be there for them. I
believe there is a call on the church to step up and be fathers in their
community or place of influence. Even though this word is a call to fathers,
the Biblical principles are just as important to mothers.
1 Thessalonians 2:10-12 says, “You are
witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among
you who believed. For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals
with his own children, encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives
worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.” NIV
Fatherhood is first established
by who we are and not what we do. Paul lays out some basic characteristics for
us as fathers. We are to be holy. This is not a call to perfection but a
commitment not to compromise and to be quick to deal with sin in our life through
transparency and repentance. People are looking for real fathers, not ones who
are faking it. Being holy is not about
being perfect but being honest.
We as fathers are to be
righteous and blameless. Righteousness has to do with our relationship with God
the Father. He is our ultimate example of fatherhood. Being an effective father
requires that we must walk in communion with Him and obedience to Him. The
mantle of fatherly authority is only possible as we submit to the Father of
all. Being blameless is not perfection but a constant awareness that we do not
live unto ourselves. Our lives are a living example of God the Father to the
world and especially to those in our area of influence.
As fathers, we need to be
constant encouragers, speaking affirmation and value into those around us. In a
world that promotes wrong values we need to affirm right values. I have heard
it said that the church has lost its moral authority to speak into the world.
As fathers, we must live holy, righteous, and blameless lives in order to earn
the authority to be a father in someone else’s life. As a father we need to bring comfort to those
in need and crises. Being a father requires us to lay down our lives for another,
being there for them even when it doesn’t fit into our schedule.
As a fathers, we must urge
our sons to walk worthy of God. Walking worthy is not about a list of does and
don’ts but about bringing your sons in relationship to God and enlarging their
vision and faith in who they can be in God. God is calling us to be fathers in
our home, church, place of employment and community. Today, become a father to
someone who is desperate for a father in his life. Often times we feel inadequate
as fathers, but the Father of fathers dwells in us by His Spirit to enable us
to be the father He has called us and empowered us to be.
Andy Clark
