Fatherhood and The Godly Father
A few years ago, I wrote an article titled “Where have the Fathers Gone?” It was a pertinent topic that focused on the absence of the father in many American homes today. The article noted that in generations past, nearly every home in the U.S. consisted of a father, mother and children. But, sadly today, according to the U. S. Census bureau, 19.7 million children live without a father in the home. This includes biological, step or adoptive fathers. So, “Where have the fathers gone? And what will happen to the children in the fatherless homes? Research shows that children raised in a fatherless home are at a greater risk for poverty, infant mortality, abuse/neglect, behavior problems, childhood obesity, teen pregnancy, substance abuse, commit crimes/incarceration and dropping out of school (National Fatherhood Initiative 2017).
While absent fathers paint a bleak picture for families, does a negligent or uncaring father prove to be any more beneficial to the family than his counterpart? So, how do we define father? Webster simply says, a father is a male parent. It defines dad or daddy as a childish or pet name for father. However, as believers we know that a true father is more than someone who simply conceives and produces a child with a female. True fathers identify with God. You could say that true fathers are godly fathers.
In this month’s Podcast, we welcome back to our show Pastor Kevin Bullard. Kevin will discuss with us the effects of the absent father on the family, the negligent father as well as the characteristics of a godly father. He says true fathers model our heavenly Father. In addition, characteristics of the godly father includes operating with love, patience, cares for his children, doesn’t keep score and bears all things. Kevin shares his own experiences as a father and we all reflect on memories of our fathers.
Statistics and the world paint a dark and hopeless picture for families absent of a godly father. However, our Heavenly Father who is perfect, promises He will never leave nor forsake His children (Hebrews 13:5). He will always be there to love, guide, protect, provide and care for them.
A quote by Billy Graham says, “A good father is one of the most unsung, unpraised, unnoticed and yet one of the most valuable assets in our society.” But, I say, as believers, we know that our Heavenly Father is not like any other father, He is not one of the most valuable fathers, but He is The Most Valuable Father in all of creation!
Finally, Kevin shares with the listeners about his weekly Devotional titled “The Fruitful Life”. Go to his website at http://thefruitful.life to sign up.
As we celebrate Father’s Day remember to honor your father and his legacy.
Food for Today:
The righteous man who walks in integrity and lives life in accord with his godly beliefs, how blessed, happy and spiritually secure are his children after him who have his example to follow. Proverbs 20:7 (Amplified Bible)
Cover Picture – “Father with family and bible” courtesy of Istock photo, Getty Images
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