First Baptist Church of Preston
Father’s Day is fast approaching and for some it will be a day of great celebration. Sharing memories of camping, fishing, hiking, campfires, and adventures of bygone years. Father’s Day in our household is a time when I reflect on the way in which I am raising my children and what I have taught them. However, not every family has such fond memories of Father’s Day. Many households are filled with children who are growing up in the absence of a father. The divorce rate in the U.S. is 40-50%, and in many of those homes it is the father that is absent. Even among married couples I have noticed a disturbing trend where there is a dad but not a father. A father is one who nurtures, trains, teaches, shows compassion, love, honor, and practices grace. A father doesn’t need to be the biological parent of a child, but he must be the role model for what ought to be expected of men. To put it plainly, a father is one who reflects his Lord as a man of God. One who looks to the Heavenly Father for his strength, wisdom, guidance, and comfort. One who reflects the Lord in all he does and teaches these things to others.
The Bible has much to say about fathers. In fact, the word father(s) is used over 1,500 times through scripture. Fathers are instructed about discipline (Eph 6:4, Heb 12:7). Fathers are told to have compassion with children (Ps 103:13, Prov 22:6). Fathers are commanded to cherish and honor their wives (Prov 1:8, 22:23, Eph 5:28-29, 1 Pet 3:7). Scripture is a limitless treasure trove of wisdom for fathers, so why are so many men failing to live up to their responsibility?
The answer lies in our desire for God. Many men today don’t have room in their heart or schedule for God. Afterall, how many of you just read through the nine scripture references listed above and never bothered to look them up? How many men would rather be fishing Sunday morning than worshipping with their family? If we are to reflect the Lord to those around us, we ought to have a desire to know Him. God, the Father, is the foundation and source of all that is good in creation. He is the standard for morality, justice, and righteousness. He is our guide and friend who literally died for us that we may be redeemed (Ps 48:18, Jn 15:13-15). Yet in churches every Sunday all too often it is the women who outnumber the men and are forced to make excuses for their husbands’ absence.
Men, may I challenge you to put God first in your life this Father’s Day and remember your calling before the Lord. Our world is in desperate need of Godly men who will be true