Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. -Colossians 3:20-21 (NKJV)
This Father’s Day, I think of the children–of all ages–who are fatherless. They might be orphans. They might’ve lost their fathers to crime or war or disease or age. Maybe it was divorce or absenteeism. Or maybe it was a father who was present, but not being much of a father (protector, comforter, leader, model) to them.
Whatever the reason, these children all have a common Father in heaven. And He has, is, and always will be with them.
I think of one of my goddaughters, whose dad has multiple children from multiple mothers. What does her Father’s Day play out like?
As a father, these vignettes really remind me of the crucial role I play in the life of my child. For the believing fathers out there, we get it: we are the leaders of a home that is our ministry. We have the great honor, privilege, and duty to point our kids and households to God in all we say and do.
Sure, we all flub that from time to time in our walk, but I say to all Christian fathers out there, and to all believers: please stop and take a deep breath when you feel your flesh rising in indignation or impatience. We are not like unbelieving fathers. We are called to model the Christian walk to our children and the world.
So, to the believing fatherless, of all ages, I ask that you lean heavily on our Heavenly Father…and help support in prayer the fathers still here to fight the good fight…to lead households and raise children who will also praise and walk in His ways.
Today’s soundtrack
A song I’ve featured before, but very timely. Casting Crown’s “Courageous” is a call to men to boldly lead with sacrificial love, as Christ did for us.
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