God’s design in everything He has created is perfect! There is no flaw! His creation of the way family is supposed to be is no different! His design for family, one man and one female, was designed for a purpose. If you haven’t already noticed this within your lifetime on Earth, males think, act, and see things differently than females. Men and women are wired differently, but that is not by coincidence it is designed that way for a purpose. In a family unit women are more the nurturers while the men are the disciplinarians. There is a balance within the family unit because of this design. With that being said when one of those parental units (within God’s design) are not present the balance is off. Let’s talk about the male unit.
Men are vital within the family unit. They are the breadwinners, the disciplinarians, protectors, snugglers, the respected voice (moms are too, but let’s get real, when the dad speaks up there is a fear that goes throughout that child that is different from the mother) and the overall example of what their sons should be when they grow up, and what the daughters should be looking for in a future husband. Their role is extremely important (as well is the mother, but in a different way). They are the ones that sit their daughters down and explain the way that men think, and how to watch out for specific signs. They are the ones the sit their sons down and show them what it takes to become a man. Their guidance is completely different from the female role. This is why women cannot properly teach their sons how to be men. We can do our best, but there will always be something missing, something that we as women cannot complete within our sons. We don’t know what it is like being a man…how are we going to teach it?
Men, your role as a father (step-father, mentor, father-figure, uncles, grandfathers, etc.) can be stressful, demanding, exhausting, but it can also be fulfilling, joyous, rewarding, and much more. However you may see it, it is important, and you are needed! You are appreciated! Your responsibilities are heavy, but the little faces that stare up at you are worth every second of it! The Bible says in Psalm 127:3, “Children are a gift from the LORD; they are a reward from him”. Yes, those children who are constantly fighting, back-talking, rolling their eyes, and throwing a fit are gift from God! Don’t give up! You are a role model and a teacher that will forever be admired by your children!
Without you the balance of your children’s lives will be off. They will search for things to fill the hole that you have left behind, and that is an avoidable road if you are present (not just a body, but actively participating in their lives). Although, God is the hole-filler (you will discover this with spiritual maturity), human nature tells one to fill it in with their desires. Don’t let your children go unprotected in a world full of ungodliness! Always remember you are needed and important! Below are some characteristics of what a godly father would look like. GBY and have an amazing day!
Characteristics of a Godly Father
1.) Leaders – Dads are the head of the household! They are the ones who make the tough decisions. The survival of their children solely relies upon their ability to lead. They are the ones who map out the plan and lead their families for a purpose. A godly man is alert at all times, keeping his family away from the enemies of the world. The enemy is out to destroy your family, and alienate fathers from your children. They are not to be motionless. They are to engage and be present in the growth of their children. One of their main missions is to save the boys, and teach them to be men! It is the fathers’ God-appointed task to make certain that their boys know how to lead their families on day.
2.) Protector- If the father is not there they leave their children in a vulnerable position. The influences of the world will lead them into a world of hurt and trouble. Without the guidance and protection of the father children are left to find it elsewhere. Beware…overprotection can lead to bitterness. They are to protect them from potential mistakes by teaching them how to respond (not react) to life’s situations. Fathers are to teach their sons how to be natural protectors of the women within their families. They are to protect their wife and children from any physical or mental harm inside and outside of the home. However, they are also to allow their children to make mistakes while being there to help them make the right decisions.
3.) Role Models- The phrase monkey see monkey do applies to being a role model. Simply saying, do as a say and not as I do not only makes you a hypocrite, but it also doesn’t work. Children will copy and mimic the things their fathers (mothers too) do, whether they realize it or not. The way you treat your wife, how hard you work (or how lazy you are), what you say, what you do, how you think, will all be taken in by your children.
4.)Providers- Men are the natural breadwinners! They provide food, shelter, clothing, advice, support, and love for their children! They provide a safe place for them to come home to. Fathers provide security; both physical and mental. Providing love is essential. A distant father is useless. Not just physical distance, but also emotional. It promotes a world of psychological troubles.
5.) Disciplinarians- Fathers are the main disciplinarians within the home. Just the voice alone should put the fear of God in their children (healthy fear). The bible gives clear instructions on how we are to raise children with discipline. Ephesians 6:4 says, “Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” Fathers are not to provoke their children. I have seen this a dozen times, and then the father wants to discipline them for being angry. The bible says in Proverbs 13:24, “Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.” When you do not discipline your children they will run your household and declare leadership! These children will do what they want when they want, and tell you how they are going to do it without shame! It is imperative that fathers discipline their children.
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