Happy Father’s Day

This Sunday, June 17^th is Father’s Day. Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads. But as we approach this day to honor Dad I think it is necessary to draw attention to what has become a great problem in our country: the loss of masculine leadership in the home.

Sadly there are more children being raised by single mothers today than at any time in our country’s history. Divorce is a big contributor to the problem. But also more and more women are choosing to simply have children out of wedlock. There are single moms who do heroic work as a parent and I do not wish to diminish their good work; God bless you. But the ramifications of children without a father is taking its toll.

According to published reports, 63% of teen suicides come from fatherless homes, 90% of all runaways are kids without a Dad, 85% of children with behavioral troubles are fatherless, 71% of all high school dropouts, 75% of young people abusing drugs and 85% of all young people in jail and reform centers all come from fatherless homes.*

But tragically a child can be fatherless even when Dad is living at home. The National Center for fathering reveals that 40% of Dads never read to their children. Many fathers spend less than two full hours a week with their children. And 54% of 4-6 year olds prefer to watch TV than spend time with Dad. No wonder so many families have problems.

The Bible says that fathers are to be teachers in the home (Proverbs 1:8). They are to correct and chasten their children (Proverbs 3:11, 12). And God holds them responsible to bring up their children “in the training and admonition of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4).” A Dad’s job is to intentionally train his kids for a life of godliness and impact in our fallen world. Psalm 127 says: “Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.  Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!” Rare is the Dad who carefully trains and prepares his kids, handling them like an arrow intentionally and deliberately launched into the world.

The Christian father is really an instrument of God’s grace and love. Dad should never present himself as the ultimate authority in the home, rather he should point to God and Christ being the supreme authority and the Bible the means by which we know God’s will. Let your children see you worship the Lord and trust Him in all things  

I’ll tell you honestly and from experience: there are not too many problems that could not be solved by an honest, moral, upright, courageous, loving father. And studies show that one of the best things a father can do for his children is to show them how much he loves and respects their mother.

So for all the Dads who are going above the call of duty, those who are willing to put the well-being of their families above their own pursuits—thank you and God bless you. And if your role as a father needs improvement, it’s never too late to start.

 *National Principles Association, U.S. Depot of Health and Human Services, U.S. Dept. of Justice