A Case for Fatherhood

Note: This was my response to a young man from Asia asking about the importance of fatherhood...

The United States has the highest percentage of children growing up in a single-parent household.  Regretfully, those in authority seem to overlook this troubling statistic.  Many of our public schools have become warzones and gangs are replacing families. To make matters worse, many of our more “progressive” leaders downplay the importance of fathers.  I do not wish to sound offensive, but western culture seems bent on castrating men who model biblical masculinity.

I could list dozens of Bible verses about fatherhood and, as you asked for scriptural references supporting this response, that would seem appropriate, but has it occurred to you that men should follow God’s examples of fatherhood?  Hasn’t He revealed what a true father is like?  If men followed His lead, this world would be a very different place than it is.  If a Heavenly Father is important, then earthly fathers are also important.  Dads matter.

I am a father.  I like being a father.  My little girl grew into adulthood and now she lives far from me, but I am still her dad, and I cherish the times we spend together.  I think, if you were to ask her, she would say I am a pretty good dad.  I’ve made more than my share of mistakes, but there can be no doubt in Hannah’s mind that I love her.  Pardon the personal interjection, but I like talking about my daughter. 

The world needs godly fathers

·       who carry their children through difficult times (Deuteronomy 1:31)

·       who treat their children with loving compassion (Psalm 101:13)

·       who meet their children’s needs (Matthew 7:9-11)

·       who aren’t afraid to correct and discipline their children (Proverbs 13:34)

·       who are sober, respectable, prudent, gentle, peaceable, able to teach, and not

tainted with greed (I Timothy 3:2-5)

·       who will patiently train his children in the ways of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4)

·       who give good instruction to their children (Proverbs 4:1)

We may know with certainty that an earthly father who models himself after his Heavenly Father is vitally important in this world of chaotic, desperate, topsy-turvydom.  I do not know the situation where you live, but here in America, we have legions of children who do not even know their fathers’ names.  We have what are known as “deadbeat dads” who have money for alcohol, drugs, and pleasure, but not for their children.  This must grieve the tender heart of our Lord Jesus.   Not only is fatherhood esteemed in the pages of the scriptures, the need for honest, loving, hardworking, diligent, godly fathers is surely self-evident. 

Perhaps you will be a father one day.  Maybe you will find fatherhood just as rewarding as me.  This much is certain:  Do what is right at all times. No one lives to regret the good they have done.