There are those today who contend the rapidly changing patterns of morals in society reveal the traditional father/mother home is now just one possibility among many. Along with this, the typical portrayal of fathers in the home is that of a self-absorbed person who has no clue how to parent his children, along with no desire to do so. Many have concluded homes would be just as well off without a father as with one. So, now we are told it is just as beneficial for homes to have two moms, or two dads. Is this true, or is it simply a justification for a sinful lifestyle?
Statistics indicate how integral the role of a father is in the home. The US Dept. of Health has reported 63% of youth suicides are from fatherless homes. The Center for Disease Control related that 85% of children who show behavior disorders come from fatherless homes. The US Justice Department stated 70% of youths in state-operated institutions come from fatherless homes. Other examples could be offered, but these are sufficient to point out, simply from a pragmatic view, the role of fathers is necessary for the well-being of society today. No amount of arguing can deny two women acting as mates cannot replace the role God intended for a man to fulfill. It can also be said, two men acting as mates cannot replace the role God intended for a woman to fulfill.
God is intentionally depicted to us in Scripture as a heavenly Father (Matthew 6:9). He is a provider and protector to us, who loves us and seeks that which is best for us, which has our good at heart (James 1:17). Our heavenly Father exemplifies those qualities that should be found in earthly fathers (Proverbs 3:12). A father should be a provider and protector to his family, seeking only that which has their good at heart. His love should be exemplary, especially when he disciplines (Proverbs 15:5). He should want his children to make right choices, have a good life today, and look forward to eternal life. His joy should be his relationship with his family. A father who knows the love of the heavenly Father, and seeks to imitate him, is the kind of father needed in families today.
"There is a generation that curse their
father, and bless not their mother" (Proverbs 30:11). It is not the role of
fatherhood, or motherhood, that is outdated, but a culture that has denied the
importance of God and His will for the home, which is the foundation on which
the home is established and maintained. The consequences of ignoring such is
dealing with the broken homes and suffering children that such a view has
created. Scripture reminds us, "The father of the righteous will greatly
rejoice; and he that begetteth a wise child will have joy of him" (Proverbs
23:24). May we allow God, not culture, to define the roles he has established
and how they are best filled. Our future is at stake.
Robert
Johnson, Longview, TX
