Father’s Day Message

Father's Day is not as widely celebrated as Mother's Day, and there is a straightforward reason for this. While many people face challenges in their relationships with their mothers, there is usually no doubt about a mother's love.

The same cannot always be said for fathers. Since men often struggle to express their feelings to their children, many kids grow up believing their fathers do not love them. Compounding this issue, when mothers voice concerns about their children’s behaviour to fathers, the fathers, who may have just returned home from a long day at work, often react with frustration and lecture the children instead. This is unfortunate because fathers typically love their children deeply and work long hours to provide them with a comfortable life.

Fathers play a vital role in their children's lives. They are called to be teachers (Ephesians 6:4), providers (1 Timothy 5:8), disciplinarians (Proverbs 13:24), spiritual leaders (Deuteronomy 6:6-7), and living examples of godliness (Mark 12:30-31). It is a tall order from the greatest Father of them all.

How should the Christian father fulfil the mission entrusted to him?

1. Start by demonstrating your faith in God.

It is not enough to just bring your children to church; is God alive in your family? Sadly, for many, God exists only on Sundays and in the church.

The Bible instructs us to love the Lord with all our “heart, soul, mind, and strength” (Mark 12:30). It is a commitment that forms the basis of our relationship with God and impacts how we live our faith before our children.

One reason God chose Abraham to be the father of His chosen nation was because of his great faith: “For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him” (Genesis 18:19).

“Like father, like son.” How we live our faith will impact on whether our children will have faith when they grow up.

2. Strive for Holiness.

Children get confused when their fathers are a different person at home. The apostle Peter exhorts: “But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” (1 Peter 1:15, ESV).

Children would rather see a sermon than hear one. And it is the one they see at home that determines their faith. When fathers pursue holiness, they set a living example for their children, showing them the importance of living a life that pleases God: “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night” (Psalm 1:1, 2).

3. Love your wife.

Someone said this and I quote: “The most important thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.”

Children love their mothers. How would they feel if their father abused the mother they love so dearly? Ephesians 6:4 states: “And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath.” One thing that is sure to make the children angry is a father who abuses their mother.

When a father loves his wife sacrificially and cherishes her, he provides his children with a powerful model of how men should treat women: “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it” (Ephesians 5:25).

4. Be a spiritual leader.

Spiritual leadership in the home is a responsibility that God places on fathers. Deuteronomy 6:6-7 instructs fathers to teach their children the commandments of God, talking of them when they sit in their house, walk by the way, lie down, and rise up. It is about demonstrating a life devoted to God.

Fathers, how serious are you about bringing up your children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:4)? A spiritual father is a mentor and guide in the faith. He provides spiritual direction and support, helping their children in their journey with God.

Fatherhood is more than just a biological role. It is more than just bringing the food to the table. For Christian fathers, it is a divine calling that carries significant responsibilities and rewards. A godly Christian father can profoundly influence his children’s lives and faith, shaping them into godly individuals who reflect Christ’s love to the world around them.

Here is a warning: IF YOU DON’T LEAD YOUR CHILDREN SPIRITUALLY, THE WORLD WILL LEAD THEM TO THEIR SIDE!

The world is full of diverse influences, including media, peer pressure, and societal trends, which can impact a child's moral values and beliefs. As fathers, we ought to be the primary role models of faith and morality for our children. Therefore, do not neglect caring for the souls God have entrusted to your keeping.

A godly Christian father can live with no regrets that he has brought up faithful Christian children:

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth” (3 John 1:4).