If you look up the word, "Father" in Webster's dictionary, you will find an insufficient definition, in my opinion: "a male parent, a man who has begotten a child." Sadly, there are some fathers that only fit this description by being absent from the home or too busy or uninterested to be involved in the lives of their children. However, the ideal picture of a father as revealed in Scripture is so much more. Listen to how God described Abraham: For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice... (Genesis 18:19 NKJV). This description is later transferred into a command to all fathers in the New Testament: And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord (Ephesian 6:4 NKJV).
God has placed upon fathers/husbands the honor and responsibility to lead their families in the way of righteousness. Make no mistake, there are others in the world, the ungodly, who will vie for the attention of these young and impressionable minds. Fathers must be diligent to give wise counsel to the best of their ability while also seeking help from their wives. My son, hear the instruction of your father, And do not forsake the law of your mother; For they will be a graceful ornament on your head, And chains about your neck (Proverbs 1:8,9). Wives/mothers are sometimes better at teaching young children, but this does not mean the husband/father can be detached. He is the spiritual leader of his family, and will give an account to God of it.
It is not a perfect world, therefore it can be easy for fathers to become discouraged. Good fathers feel the weight of the task. They may amplify their failures and focus on their shortcomings. The devil desires a father to resign, relinquishing his leadership role. A family that does not have a godly father leading it is more vulnerable to the wiles of the devil. Some overcome, but it's better if the father is leading the way. Fathers have and will fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), just like everybody else. It is in Christ Jesus that fathers can rejoice and be encouraged, because in Him is forgiveness, renewal, and hope.
Our heavenly Father does not leave fathers to go through the struggles of fatherhood alone. Rather, God repeatedly throughout Scripture reminds fathers that He will not forsake them: What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us (Romans 8:31)? What things? In the immediate context, Paul was writing about how the Spirit helps us in our weaknesses (v. 26). Do fathers feel weak sometimes? Sure! Fathers, God is for you, and He wants you to succeed in leading your family. So, it doesn't matter that the devil, or society is against biblical fatherhood. If you are trying to honestly do your best to live the way God commands, then take heart, God will fight for you, and you will be victorious.
God is the perfect role model for fathers. We read of how He cares for His children with love, mercy, patience, and compassion, but also of how He is diligent to discipline them for their good. He never tires of instructing, admonishing, and encouraging His children. The Bible is God's instruction manual for fathers. So fathers, look to your heavenly Father, and never forget to [cast] all your care upon Him, for He cares for you (1 Peter 5:7) Brotherly, Jamie
