When a man becomes a father, there is a transition and transformation that occurs within him when he must shoulder the responsibility of raising a child. It is more than the act of impregnating a woman who will ultimately bring deliverance to a human being. He has entered into the realm of creation, whereas what God did in Creation is made evident through his reproductive processes. The body that comes into being possesses an eternal soul and spirit even after the physical body ceases to exist. His DNA, which identifies him in specific ways, is extended into a life that continues the line from generation to generation. The inclinations to duplicate his behavior resides in the nature of his child, and he must now live in such a way as to steer his offspring in the right direction. Without proper guidance, the things that he may despise about himself are given life and will cause him unbearable trouble. Yet, if he chooses to live out his God given calling and instruct his son or daughter in ways to do the same, his reward will be the pride that comes in knowing that his children will make the world a better place.

The origin of father is God. The Scripture states in Ephesians 3 verses 14 and 15 (Amplified paraphrase) “For this reason (seeing the greatness of this plan by which you are built together in Christ), I bow my knees before the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. For to whom every family in heaven and on earth is named (that Father from Whom all fatherhood takes its title and derives its name.” Father is singular, but fatherhood is the collective. From the Father we are given the privilege of fatherhood. If ever the collective is separated from the original design, the mission of collective is lost. This is why godly men comprise godly fathers. As we examine the waywardness among many in this generation who are without direction and purpose, much of it can be traced back to father issues. Either the father was absent in their lives or lacking the ability and skills necessary to guide his child in the right direction. This, unfortunately, has led to a generation of orphans. The attitude of an orphan is survival, and that survival mentality leads to desperation and lacks purpose. They are rootless and seek to connect with whatever of whoever will normalize their reckless behavior. It is important that a child know who his or her father is, and then for their father to know who his father is. And finally, for all fathers to know the Father. Even where earthly fathers might have been deficient in what they were able to convey to their children, God, who is the ultimate Father, provides!

Finally, to honor your father and mother is the first commandment with promise. “That your days may be lengthened on extended in the land or territory granted to you by God (Woodrow Walker, II paraphrase) To honor your father is to receive from him the godly instructions and disciplines given to you for your own well-being. As you grow in grace and knowledge, you will grow in your appreciation for parents who did the best that they could to nurture you. They probably made some mistakes along the way, but you appreciate the heart and effort engaged on your behalf. Eventually, you will be able to see the mother’s primary role in nurturing you and father’s role in pointing you in the right direction. Through honoring them, you are provided with longevity in your pursuits in life. It is the stability that comes from balance and is received from parents who know God as their Father. Thank God for fathers, and thank Him for being the Father of the One in whom our lives are established. He is the Eternal Father of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! And it is in Him we live, move, and have our being!