In honor of this weekend and the celebration of Father’s Day, I want to wish all men a happy and successful day. Every man has as part to play in God’s design, whether or not he has a family. He is an important part of the fabric of our society.
The role of father is God-given, assigned to a man when a child is brought into his life. He is the one who leads the family, who provides for his loved ones, who shares responsibilities of rearing his brood with his mate.
It’s easy to forget the importance of men in children’s lives when many television sit-coms make men appear to be fools—weak and ineffective. That was never God’s intent. Men are logical beings. They think differently than their spouses. When walking with God they provide a sounding board for domestic quarrels, bringing new light to a situation.
Scripture teaches men to love their children, to discipline them without discouraging them. Ephesians 6:4 (NIV) says, ”Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.”
Not all men are fathers. Some serve as role models to children from dysfunctional families, to kids who’ve never known a loving man in their lives.
Some serve as uncles, stepping in to help their brother who has been deployed overseas, or who has succumbed to illness, or for reasons not understood has surrendered his role as head of household.
Some men live two lives, serving as mother and father to their kids when illness has claimed the mother, or desertion has left them motherless.
Other men wait in the wings—not yet married—looking forward to the day when they will step into the role of leading their home.
So to every man may this day make you feel special, no matter what role God has asked you to serve. You are uniquely and fearfully made in the image of God. Enjoy your status and your day.