A FATHER AND HIS RESPONSIBILITIES
In our world today many people struggle to define what it means to be a father. Among them are those who did not know their fathers growing up. Their fathers could have died in their infancy or in incarcerated; may have separated or divorced with their mother because of irreconcilable differences. Whatever is the case, they were absent in their lives. Hear this from Richard Henry Dana: “One night a father overheard his little son pray: “Dear God, make me the kind of man my daddy is.” Late that night the father prayed, “Dear God, make me the kind of man my son want me to be.” Some Christians today struggle with this question all life; may have had not too great a time with their dads but are determined to tow new paths. Others have great memories of the bonding and rapport they had with their dads growing up and thrive to meet it or improve on it, with their kids in this age and time.
An earthly man should draw his fatherhood portrait from our Heavenly Father. Indeed, no human experience can meet the fatherhood God, our Heavenly Father offers and gives but can learn and emulate it. The word, father could mean different things to different people. It all depends on how the person was raised and the relationship one had with his earthly father. It could stand for one who procreates [offspring as a male parent] or one who adopts a child or help raise a child. A father could stand for a male parent of an animal. It could also represent male ancestors or used a title out of respect for an elderly or venerable man or one who leads men in a city called “City Father.” A father also stands for a man who creates, originates or found something or symbolizes a Priest or Clergyman in Roman Catholic or other Churches.
Highlights of a Father’s Responsibilities:
Lead the Family: A father is the head of a family; God made him to lead, provide and protect [Genesis 3:16; Ephesians 5:23]. James Walker opines that our society today tries to redefines the role of fatherhood and has reduced fatherhood and masculinity to ridiculous “macho” images that breeze across our TV screens in beer commercials or “tough-guy-movies.” Notwithstanding a father is the chief role model, embodying integrity, loyalty and self sacrifice. God has given every husband and father a clear responsibility for spiritual and moral leadership; they do not abdicate that duty. Mutual submission does not abrogate leadership or adherence to the authority in marriage. A father also gives away the bride [Exodus 22:17].
Love His wife and meet her needs: The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother and strive to meet her needs. [Colossians 3:19, 21; Ephesians 5:25, 33; 1 Corinthians 7: 3]. Real love strives where there’s cleaving and freedom cushioned with mutual respect and submission. Angie Lewis opined many Christians follow different instruction book for their marriages than God’s designed manual. The society concept of fatherhood may have changed but the gap created by derelict responsibility sob for attention. Each time mankind alienates from God and His ways, it ends in idolatry: putting God below or at par with other gods, men or things; the consequences are commonplace.
Train and tell his children about God: A Father should be a visionary, covenant keeper and transferors of blessings, culture and traditions [Deuteronomy 1:8; Genesis 18:19; Judges 6:13, Psalm 78:5]. Parents should raise their children in Christian discipline and instruction; in tough love. Clarence Kelland wrote on his father, “He didn’t tell me how to live; to live, and let me watch him do it.” Jackie Robinson wrote, “A life isn’t significant except for its impact on other lives [Ephesians 6:4; I Peter 3:7; 1 Timothy 2:12].You can give only what you have.
A man of praise, worship and prayers: Praise breaks the limits around your life and brings open heavens. A father keeps his faith alive and pray fervently always in spirit; building spiritual roof over his household and undertakings [Job 1:5; Psalm 107:31;108: 2; Acts 9:17f, 16:25f]. Fathers uphold: God’s word, Jesus blood and Jesus name in their battle against the world. The God we serve is bigger than all the giants, we face. God alone works things out. Bravo!