Fatherhood

Father's Day is celebrated throughout the world on different days with different histories and traditions, but the American holiday, the third Sunday of June, has its origins in the church. In 1908, Grace Golden Clayton organized a one-time commemoration (what many consider the first Father's Day celebration) in a Methodist church in Fairmont, West Virginia, to memorialize the 362 men killed in a local mining disaster. Two years later in Spokane, Washington, a lady named Sonora Smart Dodd was successful in organizing and implementing the nation’s first statewide celebration of fathers. Six years later, in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson was directly involved in the celebration in Washington state, and in 1924, President Calvin Coolidge encouraged every state in the nation to observe this special day honoring fathers.

Dads play a huge role in the lives of their children, so much so that studies have shown that a child’s worldview of God is directly correlated to that of his/her earthly father. A father’s beliefs, actions, and words set the tone for a family’s health, vitality, relationship choices, and especially spiritual growth. In the family setting, the first responsibility of every dad is not to the kids, but to his wife. The role of husband supersedes the role of fatherhood (cf. Eph. 5:22-33). It is the man’s responsibility to spiritually lead his wife first, so that both husband and wife can guide the children in the faith together as dad and mom. BUT keep in mind that Scripture is clear as to who bears the primary responsibility and who will be held accountable for the family—and it is not mom.

“Father’s do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord” (Eph. 6:4). This verse makes clear that the primary responsibility that men have as fathers is to raise their kids up in the training and instruction of the Lord. What does that mean? It simply (and monumentally) means that dads will stand accountable before God regarding how they raised their kids in the faith. Not whether a father brought his children to church, dropped them off for AWANA, sent them to camp, held a devotional before a sporting event, or prayed before a meal, but that he was intentional about leading his children to the feet of Jesus—everyday!

Why is this important? Two main reasons. The first is the spiritual condition and eternal destination of your children, which any father must and needs to be concerned about. Second are the ripple effects that not bringing your kids up in the training and instruction of the Lord will have. In his book, Visionary Parenting, Rob Rienow, uses “The Domino Effect” to illustrate this point when he writes, “As the man goes, so goes the marriage. As the marriage goes, so goes the family. As the family goes, so goes the local church. As the local church goes, so the nation and the Great Commission.”

Dads, take a moment to ponder these words and the vast responsibility you have when it comes to your children’s spiritual well being. Then consider the account you will give to the Lord. Are there changes that must and need to be made? If so, then I encourage you—plan your work and work your plan. Your family is counting on you!

Pastor Brent

PS: Moms, come alongside your husband and be a good encourager, helpmate, and friend. Pray for him. Pray with him. Pray out loud. Just as much as you and the family need him, he needs you.