A Letter In Praise Of Fathers
Sometimes I feel fathers underestimate the value of their role in bringing up their children. Especially so for Christian fathers. Your child is constantly looking at your behaviour, speech and mannerisms from early infancy and all you do and say is moulding him or her into your likeness. Good or bad. The father’s role as leader of the home and spiritual guide is so critical to your child’s development. For it is through you as well as their mother that they learn. Not only do they learn how to do practical things like filling the car with gas, but they watch how you interact with their mother and other authority figures. It is crucial that children see their father respecting and loving their mother and obeying the laws of God and the land. They will take on board any negativity that you show such as laziness, bad humour, cussing, lack of interest in spiritual matters and even worldly matters. If you doubt the value of your role, take a moment to observe your children at play and note how many times Daddy goes to work, how he drives the car, how he speaks to Mommy and to them! It could come as a shock! If you use bad language in front of your little ones, expect them to repeat it! They hear YOU say it- so then to their minds it is correct and proper grammar! Do not feign ignorance or administer punishment if you are using such language- they are just proving my point! Children are like little sponges and are absorbing everything you do and say. It is crucial to the child’s development that he or she feels loved and accepted by their father. Most of us spend all our lives trying to please Dad- even if he has passed on! Your place as father is so much more than being just a bread winner- important and appreciated as much as it is! Your children do not know the value of money as youngsters and a child has no comprehension of being in lack. If they are fed, warm, clean and loved, that is all they know and need. The father’s role is one that influences us right up and through the time that we have children of our own. If you weren’t much of a father to your children, the chances are they won’t be much of a father to your grandchildren! And most importantly of all, I feel- the spiritual role of father. How you relate to your children will model how they perceive God as Father! You can make or break their trust in God by your fathering! May you look at your role as a father through the eyes of your children, and try to be Christ-like! Your child’s eternity depends on it!© Glenys Robyn Hicks
‘Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?’ Hebrews 12:9
