FATHER’S ROLES IN THE FAMILY

“Hear, my children, the instruction of a FATHER, and give attention to know understanding” – Proverbs 4:1

God ordained the vitalness of the FATHER’S ROLES in the FAMILY: “Hear, my children, the instruction of a FATHER, and give attention to know understanding” (Pro.4:1). God chose to relate to humanity in the language of Family and Fatherhood, not as a benevolent dictator, boss, or landlord. He offers to fill the role of Father when earthly fathers are absent (Dt.1:31; Ps.68:5). Jesus taught His disciples to address God as Father (Mt.6:9; Lk.11:2). His loves us as a caring Father: “As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him” (Psa.103:13). Our Lord Jesus also says, “For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things (Mt.6:32b). The Lord promised those who come to Him: “I will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty” (2Cor.6:18). The Apostles also referred to God as Father (2 Cor.1:2-4, Eph. 3:14-15, 4:6).

Fathers Matter! God recognizes the significance of fathers and gave them special honour throughout history. When Abram’s name was changed to Abraham, God told him, “I have made you a father of many nations” (Gen.17:5). This clearly indicates that fatherhood has a place of honor in His eyes and in nationhood. The celebration of fatherhood is a celebration of God, our Eternal, Heavenly Father, and an acknowledgement of the influence of fathers in homes and society. Modern culture tries to minimize and trivialize fathers. Although the rates of single-parent homes and absent-father syndrome are staggering, one father is more than a hundred school masters, underscoring, for Believers especially, the need to appreciate and enjoy the Blessings of Fatherhood.

Here are Six Biblical ‘Figures’ of Father: Portrait, Producer, Provider, Protector, Perfecter of destinies, and Perpetuator of Legacy.

Portrait: mentor and model, portraying positive influence; a role-model pointing to the Heavenly Father! An authority figure to teach and exemplify God and His Word – diligently, incisively, repeatedly, pervasively, and personally (Dt.6:2-7). Where there's no model, there's a vacuum that will be filled by the enemy. The father’s responsibility cannot be transferred to teachers, peers, or pastors.

Producer: The children not only expect a responsible father, they deserve one – “one who RULES his own house well, having HIS CHILDREN in submission with all reverence (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how will he take care of the church of God?)” (1Tim.3:4-5). Every son thinks his father is the best; he doesn’t care what the outside world thinks. He assumes his father to be the biggest, wisest, greatest person alive; not perfect, but good enough to be indispensable in his life.

Provider and Shepherd: True fathers provide spiritual, mental and physical care; and show compassion (Mt.7:9-11; Lk.15: 20-23). True fathers do not cast away or reject their children (Jh.6:37; Heb.13:5b).

Protector: Fathers protect against predators through direction and prayers (Dt.1:29-31; Psa.127:3-5). The father is the leader of his family – his team. He leaves no room for irresponsibility. The father is the head of his home and commander of his troop. When fathers neglect their duty or are absent from the home, families are attacked by predators. Fathers guard their lamb-like children and families like flocks from marauding wolves – human predators, corrupting ‘friends,’ evil media, movies, music, and books.

‘Perfecter’ of Destinies: Fathers are agents of maturation through training, instruction, communication, and discipline. Fathers must be available and approachable for open, honest, wise, and wholesome communication (Pro.3: 11-12; 23:22; Heb.12: 7-8).

Perpetuator of Legacies: Ensuring generational transference of legacies of faith, values, and truth (Gen.18:17-19). He is to be diligent in instructing the children and saturating them in the ways and deeds of the Lord: “You shall TEACH them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up” (Deut.6:7); “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” (Eph.6:4, NIV).

Fathers who powerfully pass on valuable lessons, priorities, and deeds, will experience utmost fulfilment from their roles as fathers!