Sunday, June 21, 2009

Fatherhood-Where are the fathers?

Fatherhood is one of the highest offices in the Land. The title "father" is not a title to be used loosely, after all the God of the universe carries the same title. To be called a father six times gives me goose bumps. It is such a prestigious position, but at the same time it is very humbling.
Something is really bothering me about our culture in regards to fatherhood. People complain continually about how there are not enough fathers living up to their responsibilities in our world. Then people meet a father that is living up to his responsibility and people try to insist that they should not have any more children. Hugh?? The culture is confused they don't know what they want. Check out this verse:

Psa 127:3-5 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. (4) Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. (5) Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.

According to this verse a man is blessed according to the fullness of his quiver. Children are a blessing. Don't believe the lie that is permeating in our culture that children are a liability. They are truly an asset. The culture has shifted and changed our view on the value of a child. We have let daycare cost, college education, and food cost dictate to us our family size. I am not a person that says people should never take birth control nor am I a person that dictates how many children a person should have, that is a personal decision. I am a person that WARS against the false mentality that people have, that treat their children like a necessary evil that takes 18 years of hell to raise and hope they get out of their house as soon as possible. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. Would the real fathers please STAND UP!

Many have bought into this lie about children because it feeds a parents selfish, self-centered, non-sacrificial, impatient, ego. The thought goes something like this, "the child rearing phase will slow me down so the sooner I get it over I can really do what I am called to do." That mentality will cause you short circuit the blessing of enjoying your children and you will completely miss out on the fact that your calling to be a father is one of the HIGHEST offices in the land. So I have a few questions:

Where are the fathers, that esteem Fatherhood and look at their children as an asset and not a liability?
Where are the fathers, that take loving rule over their households and lead their families into the Father’s heart?
Where are the fathers, that still love their children so much that they will loving administer the rod of correction on their backsides instead of humanistic psychological and mind control?
Where are the fathers, that will be present not only physically but also emotionally and spiritually for their families?
Where are the fathers, that still understand what honor means? That understand in order to receive honor you must be humble enough to give honor. In order to be a faithful father you must be a submitted son. Heavenly Father I pray that men will turn back to use as Father.
Where are the fathers, that not only say that their families are a priority but their calendar and checkbook testify to the same.
Where are the fathers, that understand that no pastor, teacher, social worker, mother, big brother, mentor, grandpa, or such like can ever take your place? Your influence on a child can be substituted but never removed. There is a chamber in a child's heart for their father that no one else can fill, it is reserved for you.
Where are the fathers, that take the role of priest of their homes seriously and pray over their families?
Where are the fathers, that take the role of pastor in their homes and teach, guide and instruct their families in the ways of God.
Where are the fathers, that still understand that their responsibility is to not only teach about a Godly life but model a Godly life.
Where are the fathers, that have destroyed the sinful idols of their forefathers and put down the bottle, refused the drugs, stop chasing the women, refused the porn, and conquered the over indulgence in food, sports, gambling, entertainment, cars, bling-bling and such like?
Where are the fathers, that break the generational curses in their families by the regenerating power of the Holy Spirit, striving to live a blameless life before their families?
Where are the fathers, that will stop the sick practice of trying to relive their lives through their children driving their children to a point of rebellion?
Where are the fathers, that will not be passive when it comes to this culture that is swallowing up our children by the mouthfuls and be counter-cultural for the sake of the next generation?
Where are the fathers, that still think gathering with the church and worshipping God as family is important?
Where are the fathers, that are unashamed to open their hearts, be vulnerable before a Holy God, turn from their sinful ways, and present their lives as a living sacrifice to a Loving God?

Anyone that is a male, responsible for chidren, and feels they don't measure up to be a father, I would love to meet you. I have seen God's power turn a man's heart and entire family around. Don’t settle for our cultures view of fatherhood. Fight within your own soul to denounce the false mentality that is sweeping our land. Where are the fathers? Will the real fathers STAND UP?







No comments:

Post a Comment

Feel free to leave your comments below