I know opinions about fatherhood have changed drastically over the past 30 or 40 years and I would like to address that today.  Somehow, maybe as a result of the feminist movement, men have been lowered in value and the role of father has diminished tremendously.  In their attempt to get better paying jobs or achieve higher status, women have placed men below the pedestal that they were once placed on.  Maybe (and I know I’ll get a lot of heat for this) in their attempts to achieve equality with men, women have created a nightmare in the scheme of God’s plan for families. Parenting is a partnership, just like the act of marriage.   When even the smallest portion of the job is taken away or lacks respect, the job loses value.

“As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.” Psalm 103:13

The word, “compassion,” probably isn’t used much today, because the average person is more concerned with self than the needs of others.  A father is expected to be the spiritual leader of the family as well, and their needs must come first. Today’s world is geared to narcissistic values and often the ability to serve others gets lost in that.  Fathers have often been depicted as the buffoon in such television shows as “All in the Family” up to “The Simpsons” and beyond.  It isn’t easy being a good dad in today’s world. 

Let’s look at how God fathers His children.  He loves them unconditionally.  He will continue to care about those who have strayed from Him.  He looks at His children’s forgiven hearts rather than their sin, because of death of His Son, Jesus.  He corrects them, He pro He protects them and has set up a blueprint for each of our lives along with His expectations of us. He demands obedience. That’s a tough act to follow, but it gives us a guide for what God expects of dads.  Let’s pray for their continued presence in their children’s lives – even when they have children of their own.